- e-Vet ALERT: Possible Spring Pet Injuries
- We have lost two special animals this past month
- e-Vet ALERT: Valentine dangers to your pet – roses, lilies, raisins, chocolate and more.
- $5 provides a box of Valentine’s cookies for a dog, or a box of heart-shaped treats for a cat
- e-Vet ALERT: Beware Ibuprofen in Dogs
This experience has cemented the fact that chemotherapy does not work
In relation to my 13 year old Burmese Cat Bronson… 9 treatments of Chemotherapy has ended his life. He had the first three which proved to be favourable, then when he was due for his fourth he had a very low white blood count so I had to wait a week before he could have his fourth Chemo. So we did this, then had a week off to start again the 2nd course of four treatments. The oncologist spoke to me before starting telling me that his kidneys had enlarged again and that it was not a good sign. Advising me that many people pull out at this stage, because of the expense. He told me there was a new drug on the market that proved to be quite positive in it’s outcome, but it cost a few hundred dollars. Of course I agreed. His kidneys reduced in size, but the effect of this drug was devastating to watch as my boy struggled, continuing to vomit and deteriorate in body size. He picked up about 3-4 days later. Continuing with his 2nd treatment, then 3rd with great results but still losing body weight. Just 3 days after his 3rd chemo I felt his kidneys and noticed they were enlarged again… So taking him back to the vet for a possible early chemo was met with the same news that his white blood count was too low and that they could put him on a drip with fluids to build up his count so that he could have his fourth chemo in the following two days, but were not sure if he would benefit from this and having him spend days in hospital. I was told Euthanasia was my 2nd option. That was Wed. That night my regular vet gave him a steroid shot so that he would feel a little better to spend his last night with me before he came round the next day to euthanize him. He rapidly disintegrated within 24 hours and was well and truly ready to go. He died peacefully at 2.30 pm on the 17th April 2008 3 days after my birthday… What a great present… 
This experience has cemented the fact that chemotherapy does not work, but prolong life till the body cannot take it anymore. I know there are cases where there is success, but the majority is not. When will modern medicine come up with a remedy to save our much loved companions…
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I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like Bronson had the very best of care. Despite your experience with chemotherapy, we have had a number of success stories at the sanctuary. Most recently General, a cat with squamous cell carcinoma in the sinuses, is living very comfortably and happy while undergoing chemotherapy. He eats well and enjoys his time with his brothers. We have a dog, Bissell, with skin cancer that has been on chemotherapy for over two years; she eats well and is thriving. These are two examples of the numerous success stories of cancer treatment at the sanctuary. We will continue to provide the best treatment available even if the prognosis is guarded.
There is a judgement call to make here just like with people. Where cancer is concerned it seems to be a crap shoot. I work with a colony of homeless cats and one of our favorites, (an old buff colored cat named Oscar) came down with a large tumor in his mouth. The vet diagnosed it as cancer but that it would not travel. She removed as much of the tumor as she could without any other treatment but an antibiotic shot. After a week I rereleased him. It has been three years this October 2011 and we have not seen it come back full blown yet, if at all. I just don’t believe in extensive chemotherapy, etc., especially when the quality of life begins to fade. In people and in animals. Sorry about your kitty. I know what it’s like.