Oncology

Chemotherapy refers to cancer-fighting medications that may be given by mouth (orally) or as an injection. Injections may be given beneath the skin or directly into the veins using an intravenous (IV) catheter. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for systemic cancers (cancers that can affect the whole body), such as lymphoma, or for types of cancer that have already spread or have a high likelihood of spreading to other areas in the body (known as metastasizing).

In veterinary oncology, a major goal of cancer treatment is maintaining a good quality of life. Chemotherapy is well-tolerated in the majority of our patients. Around 25% of patients will experience a side effect that is manageable at home with supportive medications. Less than 5% of our patients experience more serious side effects, possibly requiring hospitalization for supportive care (i.e., intravenous fluids and antibiotics). Chemotherapy-related deaths occur in less than 1% of treated patients.

The most common side effect is stomach upset, usually starting three to five days after treatment. It can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or a decreased appetite.

Chemotherapy can also cause a decrease in white blood cell counts, typically seven days after treatment (timing varies with certain drugs). Low blood cell counts can put patients at risk for infection. Most patients with a low white blood cell count still feel well at home, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Patients with a low white blood cell count and a fever (a body temperature over 103° F) may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.

You may administer any anti-nausea medication provided by your pet’s veterinarian, such as Cerenia (maropitant) or Zofran (ondansetron). You may also feed your pet an easily digestible diet, such as boiled, unseasoned chicken and rice, or a prescription diet to manage stomach upset.

If your pet experiences soft stool or diarrhea, we recommend starting treatment with a probiotic, such as Visbiome or Pro-Pectalin. You may also feed your pet an easily digestible diet, such as boiled, unseasoned chicken and rice, or a prescription diet with added fiber. Probiotics may be continued indefinitely and help prevent diarrhea in some patients.

Most chemotherapy drugs are excreted in small amounts through a patient’s urine and/or feces after treatment, depending on how they are processed in the body. Each time your pet begins a new chemotherapy, we will provide you with a document outlining side effects and excretion risks for the specific drug used.

Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend limiting contact with urine and feces while pets are on chemotherapy. We also advise adhering to the following guidelines:

For dogs:

• • People who are immunocompromised, pregnant, nursing, or actively trying to conceive, as well as young children should not handle their dog’s urine or feces after treatment.
  • Dogs should urinate and defecate in a low-traffic area of the yard after chemotherapy treatment.
  • If your dog urinates or defecates in the house during this time, wear gloves when disposing of waste. Wash your hands afterward and clean the soiled area with soap and water.

For cats:

• • People who are immunocompromised, pregnant, nursing, or actively trying to conceive, as well as young children should not clean the litter box after treatment.
  • When cleaning the litter box during your cat’s treatment protocol, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
  • Cats on chemotherapy can share a litter box, toys, and water bowls with other adult, healthy cats in the home.

For at-home chemotherapy administration:

• • If you’ve been sent home with a chemotherapy pill to administer, wear gloves when handling the medication.
  • Do not cut, crush, or open tablets or pills. Do not handle this medication in areas where people eat or drink. Do not allow this medication to come in contact with any food intended for human consumption.
  • People who are pregnant, nursing, or actively trying to conceive, as well as children should avoid handling these drugs.
  • See above for precautions regarding contact with urine and feces.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to treat cancer in specific areas of the body. It is a localized treatment, meaning it targets defined tumor sites rather than the entire body.

At Angell, radiation is delivered using a Varian TrueBeam™ linear accelerator, enabling highly precise, image-guided treatment. Unlike other area hospitals, here your pet’s care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team that includes radiation and medical oncologists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and specialty-trained nurses to ensure safe, accurate, and effective therapy.

Radiation may be recommended for tumors that cannot be surgically removed, were removed with incomplete margins, are located in delicate areas (such as the brain, nasal cavity, spine, or pelvis), or are causing pain or discomfort.

Treatment may be intended to control a tumor long-term, reduce recurrence risk after surgery, or improve comfort and quality of life. Your oncology team will discuss the goals and expectations specific to your pet.

No. The radiation itself is not painful, and pets do not feel the treatment while it is being delivered.

Each treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing pets to return home the same day. If needed, Angell offers short-term medical boarding during the treatment process.

Radiation therapy must be delivered with precision. Even small movements can affect accuracy, so a brief anesthetic is required for each session.

Your pet’s anesthesia is carefully monitored throughout the procedure, and he or she is observed closely during recovery. Safety and consistency are priorities at every visit.

The number of treatments depends on the type of tumor and the goal of therapy. Some plans involve daily treatments over several weeks, while others use a fewer number of treatments with a different dosing schedule.

We will review your pet’s recommended plan in detail, so you understand what to expect.

Side effects depend on the area of the body receiving radiation therapy. Most patients experience mild, temporary effects, such as skin irritation, hair loss in the treated area, or localized inflammation. These short-term changes typically develop during or shortly after treatment and resolve within a few weeks with supportive care.

For some treatment locations — including certain tumors of the brain, adrenal glands, liver, or heart base — side effects are often minimal because surrounding tissues typically tolerate radiation well. Our Oncology team will discuss the expected side effects specific to your pet’s treatment area.

Long-term side effects are uncommon. Every treatment plan is carefully designed to minimize risk and optimize long-term quality of life.

Angell’s Oncology department has a dedicated team of Client Care Coordinators, who serve as consistent point of contact and facilitate communication amongst you, your pet, and the medical team throughout the treatment process.

If any concerns arise, your pet’s doctor will reach out to you directly.

No. External beam radiation therapy does not make your pet radioactive. It is completely safe for them to be around family members, including children and other pets.

Once therapy is complete, we schedule follow-up visits to assess treatment response and monitor healing. We also remain in communication with your primary veterinarian or referring specialist.

Our goal is continued, coordinated care beyond the last treatment day.