Oncology is the study of cancer. Chemotherapy is one of the treatments available here. There are several different chemotherapy drugs that we use. Some require the patient to have an IV catheter and fluids, others consist of intravenous or intramuscular injections. Animals do tend to tolerate the side effects of the drugs better than people do.

Many types of cancer can be cured or the quality of life improved with chemotherapy. The decision whether or not to go forward with cancer treatments can be a difficult one and is one made by the owners with support from doctors.

• Dogs and cats do not get as sick as people do with chemo.
• Hair loss occurs rarely, and usually only in certain breeds.
• Chemotherapy in pets is designed to improve their quality of life and lengthen their life span, not to eradicate any chance of recurrence of the cancer.
• There are veterinary oncologists.
• The drugs we use are the same as those used in people.

• Discussion of the expected course and treatment options.
• Further testing may be required to "stage" the cancer, aiding in choosing a chemotherapy protocol and in providing a prognosis.
• Different cancers require different types of chemotherapy.

• Use active pain control.
• Prevent vomiting and diarrhea.
• Ensure high quality nutrition.

• It varies with the type of cancer. For instance lymphoma protocol takes about 6 months to complete, whereas hemangiosarcoma protocol takes about 4 months to complete.
• Treatments are done every 2-3 weeks, with recheck bloodwork done in between.
• Patients usually stay in the clinic for a few hours at each treatment.

• We monitor for any signs of recurrence.
• If the cancer recurs, sometimes a "rescue protocol" can be used to achieve remission again.
• If remission cannot be achieved, care is provided similar to hospice care in people until the pet's quality of life diminishes.