Chemotherapy for Dogs - chemotherapy for dogs treatment, chemotherapy immune system and chemotherapy agents

 
Chemotherapy is the name given to cancer treatment using cyto-toxic chemical agents. The word cytotoxic means Toxic to Cells. This tells very well what it does. It kills cells. Unfortunately, it kills all cells, both cancer cells and healthy cells alike. Dogs have fewer side effects with chemotherapy and generally tolerate it much better than humans.Once a dog has been diagnosed, a veterinary oncologist can prescribe a treatment plan and chemotherapy.

1) When considering chemotherapy for your dog, the first step is to have an in-depth conversation with your veterinarian. He or she can help you better understand your dog's disease, discuss the treatment options and give details and statistics about the typical outcomes.
2) It is very important that the correct drug or combination of drugs be chosen for treating the specific type of cancer present. Each type of cancer is more or less responsive to different drugs. A veterinary oncologist is a doctor that specializes in the selection of the drugs used in treating the dogs cancer.
3) Discuss your dog's prognosis with your vet. Many cancers are not curable, but with surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments can be managed to give your dog a good quality of life.
4) Set aside time to bring your dog in for the chemotherapy sessions. Allow at least three hours, and as much as the entire day, for each visit.
5) Expect temporary upset stomach for a day or two after each treatment and be prepared to give supportive care at home, such as bland, digestible foods and anti-nausea medication. Mmany forms of cancer can be successfully managed with chemotherapy, often without making your dog sicker. And think about giving chemotherapy a chance - you may be pleased with the results. Also consider adjunctive therapies through holistic care and alternative medicine to help manage your dog's cancer. May your dog be happy and healthy!