Chemotherapy is a common treatment for lymphoma--a type of cancer--in dogs. There are various chemotherapy drugs used in this treatment, and all come with some degree of side effects. Learn what these are and the success rate for your dog when it begins this treatment.
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Treatment
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Treatment for lymphoma in dogs usually involves chemotherapy over the life of the dog after initial diagnosis.
Drugs
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More than one chemotherapy drug is often used in the treatment. Drugs can include doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone and L-aspariginase.
Side Effects
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Normal side effects can include a temporary loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Serious side effects can include dehydration from vomiting.
Percentages
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Chemotherapy for lymphoma in dogs can often help 75 percent of affected dogs maintain a near normal life. Only five to 10 percent of dogs have serious reactions from the chemotherapy drugs.
Duration
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While chemotherapy can prolong a dog's life, the average life span of a dog on treatment is around one year. Treatments involve tablets and/or intravenous administrations, depending on the combination of drugs used.
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