Chemotherapy is a regimen that uses chemical substances to reduce the symptoms and prolong the lives of cancer patients. Due to the nature of chemotherapy drugs, there can sometimes be vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or lethargy for a few days after treatment. Some drugs have more side effects than others. However, many of these effects can be controlled using other medications, and our goal is that your pet will maintain a very good appetite and excellent activity level, even while being treated with chemotherapy.
Scheduling
Since the chemotherapy affects the rapidly dividing cells in the body, another effect is suppression of the immune system. With any chemotherapy protocol, we closely monitor the immune system and white blood cell count to ensure that your pet will still be able to fight off any infections that they might acquire by just going through a usual routine. It will be very important for you to also monitor your pet at home and contact a member of our service for advice if any infections are seen. Our goal is to allow your pet to have a good quality of life for as long as possible.
Chemotherapy appointments are drop-off appointments that can be arranged from 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m., Monday through Friday. Over the following 3-4 hours, these visits allow for doctor evaluation, laboratory testing, and chemotherapy treatment. Longer waits are possible if additional diagnostic testing is indicated.