Chemotherapy

As we better care for our pets, they are living longer. Unfortunately, as in humans, the result of this longer life is that many pets develop cancer. At Peak Veterinary Specialists, we understand how devastating a diagnosis of cancer in your pet can be. We provide a comprehensive approach to cancer which may include chemotherapy, surgery, and nutritional management.

Chemotherapy refers to the administration of drugs that kill cancer cells. We can provide the personalized and efficient chemotherapy administration you desire for your pet. During your first visit, we will explain the various cancer therapies that might be appropriate for your pet. Chemotherapy drugs will be discussed, including what side effects to expect from each. You will have an opportunity to ask questions so that we might help you understand your pet's condition and treatment. Chemotherapy is given every week to every three weeks, depending on the drug and protocol. With each visit for chemotherapy, we will first draw a blood sample to check cell counts to make sure it is acceptable to administer chemotherapy. If the white blood cell count is too low, we will postpone treatment. If the cell count is adequate, we will administer the drug. This usually takes 30-90 minutes depending on the drug administered. You can wait or leave your pet with us for their treatment. After each treatment, you will be given written instructions to follow which include your next appointment time, medications to be given and things that your pet might do that would warrant a call to us.

For more information about chemotherapy, including common side effects, please see our chemotherapy information handout.