Chemotherapy is a technique used to treat cancer in humans and dogs. If your canine fur baby is diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy could be a life-saving treatment option.
The word “Cancer” can make one tremble with fear and uncertainty. It can be more distressing when talking about it in the context of your furry friend’s health. Unfortunately, millions of dogs worldwide, especially those over ten years of age, are susceptible to some or the other form of cancer.
The condition is often painful and very expensive to treat. Even with cheap dog insurance, only particular health conditions are covered, which is why you should be financially prepared for medical emergencies ahead of time.
Pet insurance cost commitments can be much less than unanticipated vet bills that can stress out your pocket. Contemplate being prepared with dog insurance so your little pupper can be assured of timely medical care during dire health situations with minor economic pressure on you.
In the meantime, read this article to learn the basics of chemotherapy for canine fur babies.
When should you consider chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that focuses on killing cancer cells. A particular medication combination is administered to a dog suspected of suffering from cancer, to determine the cancer type and severity.
With early intervention, some cancers can be cured by chemotherapy, and it is observed that canine pets respond more effectively to chemotherapy than humans do. Side effects of this treatment are not as predominant in dogs as in humans.
Vomits, diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, hair loss, and other signs are less common in furry pets that have undergone chemotherapy.
Mast cell tumors, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, bone cancer, and mammary gland tumors are some of the most common cancers in canine pets. A thorough examination will be done, and the vet will recommend the best course of treatment for a specific condition for a pup.
If the puppy is exhibiting potential symptoms, cancer has spread to other body parts or has undergone surgery to get rid of a tumor; chemotherapy might be suggested to prevent a recurrence of the issue.
Cost of chemotherapy
Note that rare and emergency veterinary services can cost fat money. The total cost of chemotherapy depends on the number of chemo sessions advised, and the cost of treating lymphoma can run up to a few thousands of dollars on average.
Treatments to cure cancers that have spread to other regions or aggressive tumors can quickly exhaust tens of thousands of dollars from your bank account. Discuss your dog’s condition with your vet, think about your financial situation, and learn to what extent chemotherapy can extend your pet’s life so you can decide what to do next.
If chemotherapy is viable, you should consider taking a chance. Often the side effects of chemotherapy will fade within a day or two, and only a few pups experience mild nausea or appetite changes.
While cancer is one severe issue, dogs may have to deal with other superficial illnesses during their lives. This is precisely why you must consider being equipped with cheap dog insurance in the least. Contemplate purchasing a policy because pet insurance cost is likely more bearable than unplanned vet bills you have to pay for during testing times of health.
