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[Home] [Hints, Tips and Articles] [Links]][cancer] Chemotherapy Anti-cancer drug treatment in dogs and cats - potential side effects This info sheet kindly provided by M J Brearley MA VetMB MSc(Clin Onc) FRCVS Most dogs and cats show no side effects; in deed the general quality of life for most veterinary patients receiving cancer treatment is surprisingly good and often normal. Most of the time they can lead normal lives and have fun with the families that love and care for them. However, currently used anti-cancer agents do not specifically target cancer cells. They damage or kill rapidly growing cells be they cancerous or normal. For the patient, this means cells lining the stomach and intestine, and cells of the bone marrow that make up the immune system (white blood cells, in particular) are at risk. The most common side effects of chemotherapy agents include mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and increased risk of infection. Hair loss, in contrast to humans, is uncommon in dogs and cats on chemotherapy. The good news is that the normal cells can almost always regenerate, while the poorly organised malignant cells suffer great damage. While it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of chemotherapy, the majority of our patients complete their treatment without significant complications. If they do occur, however, you should be prepared to recognise them and know what action is appropriate. Nausea (and refusal to eat) can occur following chemotherapy, and is more frequently in cats than in dogs. If this happens 1-3 days post-treatment, it is usually transient and requires no specific treatment. Tempt your pet with their favourite foods; warming the foods slightly may increase palatability. For dogs, adding scrambled eggs, pasta, or lean chicken can help. Sardines, prawns or tuna may tempt cats. If this condition persists, medication to reduce nausea and promote appetite may be necessary. Vomiting can occur at any time during treatment. When it occurs 1-2 days post-treatment, and your pet is otherwise bright, active, no specific treatment is necessary. Remove food for 12-24 hours, but offer water frequently to maintain hydration without stimulating further vomiting. If the vomiting is repetitive (greater than 6X in a day), contains blood, or your pet seems weak and/ depressed, you should seek veterinary attention. Diarrhoea may occur, but is often mild and transient. If the diarrhoea is severe, persistent, contains blood, or your pet seems weak or depressed, veterinary attention is required. Fever/Sepsis - THIS IS RARE Nearly all anticancer drugs can suppress the body's own immune system at least temporarily. The normal range of white blood cell counts in animals is about 6,000-17,000/cmm. If the white blood cell count (neutrophils or "wbc's") is below about 2,000, then the pet runs the risk of wide spread systemic infection. Bacteria travel through the bloodstream and cause "sepsis". The pet will usually run a fever (but not always). In rare cases, septic shock can occur, and without rapid treatment, the risk of death is high. For most drugs the low point is about 7-10 days after a dose. Though this period of susceptibility is brief, and occurs at a fairly predictable time, its consequences can be life threatening. Signs of Fever or Sepsis * fever above 104OF (temperature taken by rectal thermometer should be between 100 and 102.5 F) * extreme lethargy or weakness (refusal to get up off of dog bed, etc.) * complete disinterest in food * pale and somewhat "sticky" gums * severe vomiting/diarrhoea IF YOU SUSPECT INFECTION - immediate action is necessary - DO NOT WAIT OVERNIGHT! If your pet is not significantly better in a few hours, call your local veterinarian or your oncologist immediately. This situation can be treated and is almost always successfully. However, an extended delay before initiation of treatment may result in a severe infection or even death. In the first instance contact your local veterinary practice - they have been given treatment protocols for this situation and in most cases this will be more convenient for you. If you have been referred to a specialist they may also have told you that they will see certain types of emergency at any time. If you have
any further questions about bone cancer or any other
aspect of cancer in dogs you should speak to your
veterinary surgeon who will be able to discuss this with
you more fully. M J Brearley MA VetMB
MSc(Clin Onc) FRCVS This page last updated 24 March 2002 |
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