All Entries Tagged With: "effects"

The Therapy Options in Dealing with Dog Cancer

Dog cancer cases are growing fast currently. The good thing about modern medicine is that experts are able to find out ways in treating canine cancer. The options that are available for dog owners and pet lovers are there for you to decide.

One is by Radiation Therapy. It is a process that can shrink the cancer tumor. In addition, it is a cure in stopping the spread of the disease. Another is by surgery and amputation. Be reminded though that surgery can cause trauma to your dog. Before picking any of this two, think ahead of what effects there can be after the process.

Did you know that Radiation therapy has some side effects that may not be good for your pet at all? You need to know that such therapy can cause the ruin of tissues. Sooner, the effects can lead to worse cases like formation of bony sequestra, loss of tears or of eyesight, neurological reactions, non-healing ulcerations, organ dysfunction and retinal lesions. These are going to affect your dog much. And also, the effect of Anesthesia is something quite disturbing too for your pet.

One more thing that you need to think about is the cost of Radiation therapy. Depending on the kind of processes involved, it is said to cost as much as $900 – $3,500. That is really pricey, is it not? What is the worth of spending much and snatching safety from your beloved dog?

For you to get more knowledgeable on what treatment suits the need of your sick dog, reading more about canine cancer can help you save time, money and energy. Doing so can give you idea of what are the pluses and the minuses of a certain cancer treatment. Your decision matters a lot and you need to be ready enough in making a wise choice. The physical pain the process can bring is as wrecking as the emotional and psychological effect to your dog.

Chemotherapy – Facts About Dog Cancer Treatment and Its Effects

Chemotherapy is one of the leading treatments for canine cancer. Being one of the most mainstream methods, little do we know that it has negative effects on our dogs. Reading this article gives you wider look at how chemotherapy affects your pet and what its impact is right after being administered.

The side effects of chemotherapy are enumerated as: anemia, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, hair loss, loss of appetite, low white blood cell count, non-responsiveness, and vomiting and nausea. Have the presence of mind and refrain from being alarmed when you notice these. You need to coordinate with your veterinarian if you also observe symptoms that are associated with such side effects.

What are these symptoms? Vomiting and diarrhea must be attended to promptly because they may lead to dehydration. If you are pressed in this kind of situation, be sure to seek the expert’s help. Another one is bloody diarrhea. It can be as alarming more than you expect but before even panicking, let your vet know about this particular symptom as well. Infection can be pre-identified through the presence of fever and the loss of your pet’s appetite. As soon as you notice this, observe and let your vet know. When the dog has difficulty in breathing, it is a sign of respiratory distress. Take note of this and speak it out to the expert for advice and recommendation.

In the course of chemotherapy, series of tests like the CBC or complete blood count is done regularly to ensure that the dog has the right balance between red blood cells and white blood cells. There are incidences when the white blood cell count is low. When this happens, treatment is stopped and antibiotics are recommended. As soon as the blood count goes back to normal, treatment process is observed again.