Here's what you need to know about chemotherapy and radiation therapy in cats

Cats are unfortunately not immune to the scourge of cancer. Several types of cancer can threaten their health and well-being. First of all, my heart goes out to you if you are accompanying your kitty through this ordeal right now.

In the following lines, I will describe the two main classic treatments for cancer in cats: chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

They are frequently used in human medicine, but can they help your cat with cancer?

• Click to learn more: 👉 NATURAL product for your cat affected by CANCER 🐱

Our experts have many years of experience in the field of natural health, but they agree on the importance of conventional medicine in certain situations.

I invite you to consult our complete guide on cat cancer for more information on this disease.

So here's what you need to know about chemotherapy and radiation therapy in cats to help you make a decision about treating your cat's cancer.

Chemotherapy in cats

As the name suggests, chemotherapy is a chemical treatment that aims to destroy cancer cells. Powerful drugs are administered either intravenously or orally in pill form at home.

Side effects of chemotherapy in cats

Side effects are less commonly reported in cats than in humans. Less than a quarter of animals experience unpleasant side effects, and they are often temporary. Less than 5% of animals experience severe side effects.

In most cases, chemotherapy is used to improve the well-being and quality of life of the sick animal, hoping to have a positive effect on longevity at the same time. They are not necessarily used for curative purposes as in humans.

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, loose stools, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. Significant hair loss is rare.

Is chemotherapy effective in cats?

This question is difficult to answer because chemotherapy treatments are often initiated in older animals with pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, the statistics are difficult to interpret. That said, in some cases, cats can live for several years after starting treatment.

Additionally, cats are excellent at hiding their pain. As a result, their cancer is often diagnosed late. Their chemotherapy treatment is therefore often palliative, with the sole aim of slowing its progression. Remission is rarely possible in these cases.

It's up to you to decide whether your schedule and budget allow you to undertake such treatment, and whether you are willing to take the risk of seeing your pet experience side effects.

How much does chemotherapy cost for cats?

Intravenous treatments are more invasive and require your cat to be hospitalized at the veterinarian's office. Chemotherapy prices for cats vary from one veterinary clinic to another, but can quickly reach a few hundred dollars.

When it comes to oral chemotherapy, the cost varies greatly depending on the medication used and your pet's weight, so your veterinarian will be able to best answer this question.

What drugs are used for chemotherapy in cats?

Several drugs can be combined in order to slow the progression of cancer, aiming for the minimum possible toxicity for the body.

Since these are drugs that are toxic to the body, people caring for the animal during treatment must be very careful and wear gloves, among other things, when administering the medication and cleaning the litter box.

Your veterinarian will be able to guide you towards the most appropriate medication for your cat. This could be chlorambucil, for example.

Radiation therapy to treat cancer in cats

A second type of conventional cancer treatment used in cats is radiation therapy, more commonly known as radiotherapy.

As the name suggests, radiation is targeted at a tumor with the aim of destroying it, or reducing its size when it cannot be completely removed by surgery.

For example, radiation therapy in cats could be used for a tumor in the thyroid.

How does radiation therapy work in cats?

Radiation therapy involves several treatments (15 to 21) over a period of 3 to 7 weeks.

Each treatment requires the animal to be anesthetized, as the patient must be completely immobile. Now there is stereotactic radiotherapy, which is much more precise and powerful, and therefore requires fewer treatments over time.

In cases where remission is unlikely, radiation therapy may be used in palliative care, to maintain the cat's comfort, such as helping to control pain and bleeding.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy in Cats

Side effects of radiation therapy in cats are relatively mild and may be limited to dry, red skin following treatment.

However, since the animal must be anesthetized for treatment, recovery from anesthesia must be considered. Anesthetic risks must also be taken into account depending on the animal's condition.

How much does radiation therapy cost for a cat?

Of course, the cost of radiation therapy for cats varies greatly, but you can easily budget for a few thousand dollars.

The cost will depend on the size of the tumor, your cat's weight, the number of treatments needed, and the cost of anesthesia and hospitalization at your veterinary clinic.

It should also be taken into account that few regular clinics offer this type of treatment, so it is often necessary to consult an animal oncology specialist in a reference center.

A natural product to support your cat fighting a tumor

PIPTOANIMO is a natural product with a medicinal mushroom as its active ingredient.

When dealing with cancer, the goal is to strengthen your cat's immune system to fight the disease and to combat and prevent recurrences! Our PIPTOANIMO is the Piptoporus Betulini mushroom. Medicinal mushrooms are specially designed to keep the body healthy in cases of cancer and tumors, even for long-term use and as a complement to chemotherapy treatment without problems.

In short, if your cat is diagnosed with cancer, it doesn't necessarily mean the end. Surgical removal may be attempted, as well as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and the use of natural products.

I am once again sorry if you have to go through this with your pet and I wish you the greatest courage to accompany him in his fight. What type of cancer does your cat have?

Share his story with us in the comments section below!