Chemo for dogs?

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Emma24

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Hi,

I've got a friend who's dog has just had an op to remove some cancer from her neck.
But sadly she has still gots some of the cancer cells in her body and the vets have advised my friend that her dog has chemo.
But she not sure whether its fair to put the dog through it, and does it work?
Does anyone have any experience of this?
Her dog has a mild cancer, if theres such a saying!
Any info would be greatly recieved.
Thanks
 
We were talking about this the other day and I know each case must be taken on its merits but I am of the firm belief that the owner is doing it for themselves in the main because nobody (or dog if it could talk) would voluntarily put themselves through chemo and all the other awful side effects if they had the choice.
A friend sometimes works where this is done and says you see the dogs come in on the Monday, quite bright and bushy tailed; they stay in for 2 days while having the treatment and to recover; they go back home on the Thursday ;looking awful, tucked up and obviously feeling like shite. They have the weekend at home and then on Monday the whole cycle starts again.
Would you feel fair putting your pet through all that when apparently, there is not a lot of evidence to say it actually works? I wouldn't or couldn't, I would have to let go I'm afraid.
 
Chemo for dogs is not half as bad as it is for humans. A few friends of ours have had their dogs in chemo and they were almost as normal though sometimes a little more tired. I can give you a contact to some friends if you like who had their Irish Wolfhound under chemo for around 6 months, He had a fabulous quality of life.
 
Ooops forgot to say. If it goes to the main site, tell her to click on Branigan and when that comes up, at the top, click on bone cancer and she can get some info. there.
 
Chemo for dogs is not half as bad as it is for humans with most of them showing only mild side-effects. Whether it will be effective or not will depend on the type of tumour, i.e. it is not likely to be effective against the more aggressive and invasive types of tumours. Another thing to keep in mind is that it can be extremely expensive.
 
Chemo for dogs is very different. Its nowhere near as strong as for humans. The aim is to give the dog a good quality of life - dogs live for the moment not next week so quantity should not be a consideration. Side affects are much less than you would expect because of this. Have a look at the Animal Cancer Trust website http://www.animalcancertrust.org.uk
as it has quite a lot of info on it. Dogs on chemo should be able to lead a normal life - I'm a vet nurse so have seen many dogs on chemo - most of them you wouldnt know are under treatment however its very much up to your friend to make an informed decision.

The only thing i will say is you can always try and decide you dont want to continue, but it doesnt really work the other way round.

Good Luck
 
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