Dog Cancer Drugs - What You Need To Know

When we found our beloved pet had cancer, our first response was, “how can it be treated?” Cancer in dogs is a 50/50 phenomenon of frequency, it occurs in 50% of the time with large breed dogs. It is less frequent in smaller dogs, occurring at the rate of 381 reported episodes per 100,000 per year. (This is not the total cancer rate; this is only the reported rate at this time.) There are more likely cases that are undetected or unreported. Cancer can be treated by various means, using dog cancer drugs is the most often course of treatment.

1. Various dog cancer drugs are available including: vincristine or vinblastine, Cytoxan, Prednisone, Platinol, Paraplatin, Novatrone, Alkeran, CCNU, Methotrexate, Cosmegan, Leukeran, Cytarabine, and Elspar. All of these drugs have various side effects, such as low white blood cell count, nausea, diarrhea, sometimes constipation, inflammation and pain, lack of appetite, and increase in thirst and urination. Although this list of side effects is quite daunting, dogs do not suffer as much as people because their exposure is much more limited. Dogs have 2-3 weeks of discomfort for often another extended year of a quality life.

2. What are ways to make your dog more comfortable during cancer treatment? There are alternative methods of treatment used for palliative care, like massage therapy, nutrition therapy, acupuncture and herbal supplements. ES Clear is one of the supplements that were recommended as it boosts the immune system of the dog and supplies more energy, while reducing the side effects of nausea and pain.

3. Dog cancer will affect your whole household, just like an illness in the family. Take the time to nurture your pet and give him extra love and attention. Give him a special toy and blanket for comfort on his bad days. Take him for walks (if he is able) and for visits to the local park. Make his days comfortable and relaxing. Also take care of yourself. Caring for a loved one with cancer is stressful and time-consuming. Be nurturing for yourself, also. Do the things that soothe you best. Arrange for a pet sitter so you can leave the house comfortably to go to events with friends and family. Do not isolate yourself in your dedication to your pet companion.

Cancer is a disease with long emotional consequences. There will always be questions of did I do the right thing at the right time? Once you’ve decided on drug treatment for your dog, consulting with your veterinarian for the right dog cancer drugs is the best way to assure yourself that you attacked the disease with compassion and reflection, with the proper aggression and assertiveness.