This material is presented here with the kind permission of the University of Minnesota's Small Animal Hospital.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

All anticancer drugs have the potential to produce side effects. However, the side effects that can occur in pets are usually not as severe as those that occur in humans. It is important to know what the possible side effects of each drug are to aid in their recognition and management, should they occur.

Vincristine

• Skin damage at injection site - caused by drug leakage outside of blood vessel. Look for swelling, redness, licking, or open sore at injection site.
• Vomiting and diarrhea - infrequent
• Constipation or stomach cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy - tired with low energy

Asparaginase

• Vomiting - very rare
• Allergic reaction - very rare, can occur 30 minutes after administration

Cytoxan

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Low white blood cell count - can occur 5-7 days after treatment
• Bloody urine - can cause a irritation to the bladder

Adriamycin

• Nausea and/or loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea - can occur 2-5 days after treatment
• Skin damage at injection site - caused by drug leakage outside of blood vessel.
• Heart problems - Has cumulative effect on heart but requires exceeding maximum dose, which this protocol does not.
• Low white blood cell count - can occur 5-7 days after treatment
• Lethargy - tired with low energy

Prednisone

• Increased thirst - requires more water than usual
• Increased urination - requires frequent trips outside.
• Increased appetite - do not overfeed. Watch for weight gain.
• Increased panting, pacing and anxiety

Managing Side Effects

Vomiting

• Withhold food and water for 12 hours, then offer small amounts of water.
• If vomiting does not occur after drinking water, offer bland foods such as boiled chicken and rice, or baby food.
• Call your vet if vomiting is severe, continues after withholding food and water, or accompanied by a persistent fever lasting longer than 24 hours.

Diarrhea

• Offer pet bland, easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken and rice. Gradually reintroduce normal diet.
• Pepto-Bismol tablets can be given. Try one tablet per 30 pound of body weight four times daily.
• Call your vet if diarrhea persists for greater than 48 hours.

Low White Blood Cell Count

• Infection caused from a low white blood cell count is potentially the most severe side effect of chemotherapy. Infections are likely to occur five to ten days after a drug is given.
• If your dog shows any of the previously mentioned symptoms and has a rectal temperature of greater than 102.5, you should call your vet immediately. A fever with a low white cell count is considered an emergency.

Next >>

Odie's Year with Cancer
Discovery | Remission | Recurrence | Farewell

Odie's Chemotherapy
12-Week Protocol | Side Effects

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