Cancer in dogs can be treated with the help of a therapy known as canine chemotherapy. It has become fairly common these days. The cost of canine chemotherapy may vary widely, as the cost for the treatment depends on a number of factors.
Factors Affecting Canine Chemotherapy Cost
The first factor that can affect the cost is the type of cancer the dog is suffering from. Another factor is the type of drugs used in the process. The size of the dog that needs to undergo chemotherapy can also impact the cost. Even a dog very small in size with a single cancerous lesion can cost $200 for chemotherapy, while the same problem on a larger breed could cost more than $1,000 a month. The canine chemotherapy cost will also vary from one state to another.
Typical Canine Chemotherapy Costs
A typical chemotherapy session involving a visit, diagnosis, discussion over the prognosis as well as the treatment plan can cost a total of $200 or upwards. This is usually dependent on the cancer's location. The usual chemotherapy cost can be anywhere from $200 to $2,000 and even upwards. This cost is applicable to a treatment that lasts for a total of 3 to 6 months.
Cost of Chemotherapy with Other Treatments
- If the chemotherapy has to be combined with radiation therapy, the total cost can range between $2,000 and $6,000.
- Lymphoma, the most common canine cancer, usually requires only chemotherapy and its cost can come up to be around $450 to $500.
- Osteosarcoma, another type of canine cancer, is usually treated with chemotherapy along with amputation surgery. This type of chemotherapy treatment costs approximately $450.
- If the canine chemotherapy is done along with radiation or surgical treatment, the average cost can go up to $600.
- In cases where a tumor is located deep inside the dog’s body, a major surgery for removing the tumor as well as for reconstruction is required along with the chemotherapy. Such a chemotherapy treatment is offered at a starting cost of $1,500.
Additional Costs
Apart from the typical costs for a chemotherapy session, dog owners have to incur some additional costs. Owners have to pay for some pain medications that on average cost from $25 to $50 each month. The dogs undergoing chemotherapy may also have to be given some antibiotics or other medicines, costing $30 to $50. The veterinarian may also suggest some alternative medicine along with the chemotherapy session, which may cost a little extra.
Saving on Canine Chemotherapy Cost
Canine chemotherapy cost can be really high. However, dog owners can opt for another way to save some money on a typical canine chemotherapy. There are a number of studies going on to test the results of the various canine chemotherapy treatments and drugs held by some of the best veterinary teaching hospitals in the country. These hospitals almost always have some clinical trials going on. If the dog fits a hospital's requirements, the owner can get the treatment done under a clinical trial, for a very small fee. In some cases the canine chemotherapy may even be done for free.