Chemotherapy for Dogs

Chemotherapy is an option some of our veterinarians offer patients that have been diagnosed with certain cancers. Chemotherapy is a cocktail of medications given to a patient that has the ability to kill cells that cause cancer.

Chemotherapy side effects in dogs are not as evident as in humans.

If side effects do occur, you may notice decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Hair loss does not usually occur in our dog patients.

There are some forms of oral chemotherapy, but the majority of chemotherapy is administered in dogs via an IV catheter. Your pet will have IV fluids placed and will stay on them for a few hours after the chemotherapy medication has been given.

The cost of chemotherapy is dependent on the type of cancer being treated, the protocol of therapy and the cost of the drug for the protocol.