We hear a few questions about chemotherapy in dogs repeatedly, so here are the answers to the most common ones we get:
-Chemotherapy protocols often involve a combination of injectable and/or oral drugs. Maude is currently receiving an IV injection of Vinblastine once weekly and a daily dose of prednisone. Maude’s …cancer type tends to cause specific side effects that we’re trying to reduce with twice daily diphenhydramine (generic Benadryl) and daily famotidine (Pepcid).
-The severe side effects common in people undergoing chemotherapy are rare in dogs. Maude has experienced no upset stomach, and she will not lose any hair (though her summer haircut may take longer than usual to regrow). The major problems we watch for are decreased blood cell and platelet counts, so we’re monitoring her closely with weekly blood work.
-For Maude’s weekly injection, it’s very important the drug go smoothly into her vein and not leak outside of it. We place a regular IV catheter, inject the Vinblastine, flush it with normal fluids, then remove the catheter and she’s done!
-Maude is a very good patient, so she always get her yummy rewards and lots of love!