We generally do not recommend that pets receive routine preventive vaccinations during their chemotherapy treatments. Please contact your oncologist to discuss any questions or concerns about your pet specifically. There may be options available to check antibody levels of protection against specific diseases.
Cancer treatments are usually well tolerated in pets, and we strive to maintain an excellent quality of life for each pet we treat. The typical side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These side effects are not usually noticed for a few days after chemotherapy and can typically be managed with anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications.
Most pets do not typically lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy; the exception includes dog breeds whose hair is constantly growing, such as poodles and Maltese. When pets do lose their hair due to chemotherapy, it is not typically all over their body, and often they will have a patchy coat during their treatment. Once the chemotherapy protocol is completed, the hair typically regrows.
If at any time during your pet’s treatment you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. We want to make this experience as positive as possible for you and your pet.
Chemotherapy affects not only the cancerous cells in the body, but also some rapidly dividing normal cells in the body. More specifically, cell types that we are concerned about include neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that is important in preventing infections) and platelets (cells that help blood to clot appropriately). We want to make sure these cells are at adequate levels before we administer chemotherapy and again after chemotherapy has been given. The type of chemotherapy that has been administered will determine the timing and frequency of these tests.
Chemotherapy drugs can be administered in different ways. Many chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, which means directly into a vein using an intravenous catheter. Depending on the specific chemotherapy drug your pet is receiving, the time period for drug administration will vary. Most chemotherapy drugs are given for five to 30 minutes, but some may be given over longer time periods, such as hours or days. Some chemotherapy drugs are given orally (by mouth) and may be given at home. Most pets tolerate sitting still while we administer their chemotherapy, but some pets require sedation to be safe, comfortable and relaxed while they are receiving their chemotherapy drugs.
We recommend that you speak with your health care provider about specific concerns. Also, please let your oncologist know prior to treating your pet so we may review any risks to you and your family and discuss special precautions that should be taken.
We generally recommend that your pet be fed a high-quality food while receiving treatment for its cancer. There are a lot of great options. If you have specific questions or concerns about your pet’s diet during cancer treatment, we can schedule a consultation with our Clinical Nutrition Service during one of your oncology appointments.
Usually your pet can still make regular trips to the groomer. We may recommend postponing a visit if your pet’s bloodwork is of concern.
Although radiation therapy is typically well tolerated in pets, every pet and radiation therapy treatment is unique. Some patients have very few or no side effects, whereas some patients will have more noticeable or serious effects. Side effects from radiation usually do not appear until midway through radiation treatment or the end of treatment. The typical side effects from radiation include a sunburn-like reaction of the skin. This can be a little itchy/painful, so your pet may be required to wear an E-collar or T-shirt over the treatment area to prevent it from traumatizing the area and impeding healing. The side effects usually start to dissipate two to three weeks after treatment is completed. We can usually control any pain that is associated with radiation therapy with oral pain medications.
Many animals will lose their hair in the area that is being treated with radiation therapy. Again, this doesn’t happen immediately after just a few doses but is more of a cumulative effect. Sometimes the hair will not grow back in this area, and sometimes it will grow back in a different color. Occasionally, the skin in the treatment area will also change color. These are primarily cosmetic changes and only affect your pet’s appearance.
Since every pet is unique, every cancer is unique. The radiation oncologist will plan every aspect of your pet’s treatment to determine the exact number of treatments it needs. Most treatments range from 18 to 22 “fractions” or weekdays. However, treatments that are used for pain control or palliative care are usually shorter.
We have a lot of options available for you and your pet. Often our clients come long distances for treatment, and it is not possible for them to drive back and forth every day. Your pet may stay with us during its entire treatment. Some owners will come visit on the weekends. We will work with you and your schedule as much as possible to keep your pet happy during its treatments. We may have other options available, so we encourage you to discuss this with your doctor to see what arrangements we can make.
Our CT scanner is connected to our radiation therapy planning software and is specifically set up to accommodate our machine. Prior to the CT we will position your pet in a radiation therapy treatment “cradle” (similar to a bean bag chair with the air removed), and your pet will be in the perfect position for the CT scan. We then save your pet’s cradle and use it every time your pet is treated with radiation therapy to ensure we are treating the specific area of cancer.
We must first schedule an appointment to evaluate your pet. If we believe that I-131 treatment may be indicated, we will recommend a thyroid, or tech, scan. This scan will help us determine if I-131 treatment would be beneficial for your pet. Once we perform the thyroid scan your pet will be radioactive, and it will not be able to go home for 24 hours. If your pet is a good candidate for I-131 therapy we can often treat it the day of the scan or the next day.
After treatment with I-131, your pet will be radioactive and will be required to stay for a period of five to 14 days depending on its level of radioactivity. We know this can be a long time away from your friend, but it is necessary to limit you and your family’s exposure to the initial radiation. In addition we have to be cautious during this time of higher radioactivity, and therefore your pet is required to stay in a special radioactive suite.
CT scans often use iodinated contrast to help obtain images. This can interfere with uptake of I-131 treatment. We generally recommend waiting approximately four to eight weeks after a CT scan before performing a thyroid scan. If you are interested in I-131 treatment and your pet has recently had a CT scan, please let us know when you schedule the appointment.
No. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit the transport of animals following radioactive treatments. If you have concerns about this, please discuss them with your oncologist. You may also wish to visit our Flying With Pets page.
Unfortunately, while your pet is in the hospital during treatment it must stay in a special radioactive suite and cannot have visitors. During this time when we care for your pet we are required to wear special protective gear and radiation detector badges to limit our exposure.
We try to make your pet’s stay with us as comfortable as possible and encourage you to bring a special food, blanket or toy to help your pet feel more at home. Because of the radioactive contamination of any bedding or toys you bring, we are not able to send those back home with your pet. If you do not feel comfortable bringing your own supplies, we have plenty for your pet to use during its stay.
We recommend that you speak with your health care provider about specific concerns regarding this. Also, please let your oncologist know prior to treating your pet so we may review any risks to you and your family and discuss special precautions that should be taken.
After an initial evaluation of your pet these tests may be scheduled. All use a form of radiation to obtain the images required. Therefore, your pet will typically need to stay with us for up to 24 hours in one of our special radioactive suites. Unfortunately, while your pet is in the radioactive suite it is not allowed to have visitors. During this time when we care for your pet we are required to wear special protective gear and radiation detector badges to limit our exposure.
We try to make your pet’s stay with us as comfortable as possible and encourage you to bring a special food, blanket or toy to help your pet feel more at home. Because of the radioactive contamination of any bedding or toys you bring, we are not able to send those back home with your pet. If you do not feel comfortable bringing your own supplies, we have plenty for your pet to use during its stay.
