Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth rate in the body. It is the most common treatment for many types of cancers in dogs in case the tumor cannot be surgically removed. It can be an expensive treatment as it is not a one-time thing. Luckily, pet insurance can help cover its cost.
There are a few terms and conditions that apply to most insurance plans. We’ll talk about it in a bit. Let us understand what chemotherapy is and why it is needed in the first place.
Cancer in Dogs – An Overview
Neoplasia is the abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body. It is also called a tumor. There are two types of tumors – (1)
Benign - A slow-growing tumor that does not invade other surrounding cells and does not spread throughout the body
Malignant – An unpredictable growth that sometimes grows rapidly, invades the surrounding tissues and spreads to other parts of the body.
The benign ones are the ones categorized as tumors that appear as swelling. They are often confused as cancers, but it is only the malignant ones that are truly cancers.
Did you know that 1 in every 4 dogs will develop neoplasia (tumor) at some point in their life, and almost half of the dogs over the age of 10 are highly likely to develop cancer? (2)
Read More: Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer?
What is Chemotherapy in Dogs?
Chemotherapy drugs target and kill the multiplying cells in the body. Unfortunately, they also destroy some of the body’s normal cells, like white blood cells and the ones that line a dog’s intestine. Medical conditions like lymphoma, high-grade mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma are usually treated using chemotherapy. (1)
The drugs usually come in three forms – oral medications, injections and infusions. The type of cancer, therapy plan, and your budget can dictate the type of drugs to be used.
What are the Benefits of Chemotherapy in Dogs?
Most dog cancers cannot be cured completely by chemotherapy. However, the success here is measured by the improvement in the quality of life and the decreased growth rate of the cancer cells in the body. The effectiveness will highly depend on the type and aggressiveness of the cancer, how early it was detected and the treatment plan.
There will probably be side effects during the therapy, but your vet should be able to help treat them and alter the plan if needed.
Are There Risks of Chemotherapy in Dogs?
We’ve all known and seen the side effects of chemotherapy in humans as it is the common treatment for cancers in us as well. Dogs can experience certain side effects too. These include – (1)
Gastrointestinal upset
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Low white blood cell count
Susceptibility to infections like pneumonia
We know you’re looking for hair loss on the list. It is one of the possible side effects but not very common. Certain drugs cause lifelong effects too, like damage to the kidneys and heart.
How Much Does Chemotherapy in Dogs Cost?
Chemotherapy is not a one-time expense. The dog will need multiple regular dosages to ensure effectiveness. The cost can range from $150 - $600 depending on the type of cancer, treatment plan, type of facility used, etc. The total cost can easily reach up to $10,000. You can even expect to spend another couple of thousand dollars for consultation with oncologists. (1)
The dog may even need after-therapy care which can include anti-nausea medications, appetite stimulants, etc. Add a few hundred bucks to the overall cost for these.
Certain drugs here can be toxic and hence, the vet may give specific instructions on how to handle the dog’s urine and feces.
Does Dog Insurance Cover Chemotherapy?
Yes, pet insurance can help cover chemotherapy if it is not a pre-existing condition and if the waiting period of the policy has passed. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save up to 90% of the eligible costs of medications, alternative treatments, specialists, follow-up vet visits, and more.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Koehler, R., DVM. (2024, March 25). Chemotherapy for dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/procedure/chemotherapy-for-dogs
Cancer in pets. (n.d.). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
