Pet Cancer Treatment
Help your pet live the life they deserve.
At Eastgate Pet Clinic, we understand that your companion is not just a pet, but that he or she is a beloved, cherished family member. The mutual bond of love and loyalty between you can make a diagnosis of any form of cancer very difficult to hear. Our veterinarians and support staff are empathetic, compassionate, and trained to focus on both the emotional and medical aspects of pet cancer.
We are here to guide you both through the diagnosis and treatment process. This includes choosing the best options for effectively, humanely, and successfully dealing with cancer.
Diagnosing Pet Cancer
Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose cancer in pets. Therefore, it is extremely important to schedule periodic wellness exams for your companion. During these preventive exams, your veterinarian can check your pet for signs of cancer. Treating cancer before it advances is key to successful recovery.
Treatment Options for Pet Cancer
Several factors influence cancer treatment decisions, cancer patients, including:
- Age
- General Health
- Tumor type
- Biological behavior of the tumor
- The Stage of the Cancer
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy may be an option for them. At Eastgate Pet Clinic, our veterinary oncologist can discuss treatment options including chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can slow the spread of cancer, shrink tumors before surgery, and buy precious time with terminally ill pets.
How does chemotherapy work?
Chemotherapy drugs attack cancer cells in pets the same way they attack cancer cells in people. Protocols vary from pet to pet and are determined based upon the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the pet’s current health, and their medical history. Prior to starting chemotherapy, your veterinarian will go over your pet’s treatment options and discuss any potential side effects.
Administering a single dose of chemotherapy is relatively quick and easy. We offer both on-site injections and take-home oral medications. The number of chemotherapy treatments your pet will need is based on the type of cancer they have, their response to treatment, and the specific treatment goals you and your veterinarian have created. Pets who go into remission will be able to taper off their treatments, but others may require chemotherapy for the remainder of their life.
If you have questions about chemotherapy or would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at (208) 336-3278.
