Veterinarians have designed their chemotherapy protocols for animals so that pets don't become terribly ill, Chun said. Less than 5 percent of the animals develop severe vomiting, diarrhea or a drop in their blood counts and need to be hospitalized. Owners always worry about the animal's hair falling out. Animals that always have to go to the groomers, those are the ones we worry about losing their hair. But once chemotherapy is over, the animal's hair grows back in.
Cost is a significant factor in deciding to go through with the cancer treatments.
For many people, their pets are more than just animals, so the owners want to do everything that they can to prolong their lives and keep them feeling good. If we look at it solely from the animal's point of view, and are able to buy them another eight to 12 months to maybe even a year and a half, that's a very long time from that animal's point of view. So usually from their perspective I think it's worth it. Information provided by K-State Media Relations and Marketing may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected Trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.