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A cancer diagnosis for your beloved dog can feel like a world turned upside down. In those moments, the weight of the unknown can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the financial implications of treatment.
Did you know 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime? And over the age of 10 years, that jumps to 1 in 2 dogs? Unfortunately, cancer is relatively common in dogs and to make matters worse, the treatment of cancer can be extremely expensive.
How Much Is Dog Chemotherapy?
The average chemotherapy cost can range from $3000-$10,000. This wide range reflects the personalized nature of cancer treatment plans, which are tailored to individual needs.
Chemotherapy is a medication given to kill the rapidly dividing cells of cancer. The type of cancer is the biggest factor when it comes to cost. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, mast cell tumor, lymphoma, and other types of cancer are all treated differently. The size of the mass and the stage of cancer your pet has is a huge variable as well. The larger the tumor or the further the cancer has spread, more rounds of chemotherapy will likely be necessary to treat. There are lots of chemotherapeutic drugs on the market, some injectable and some oral. The type of drug or drugs in your pet’s individual chemotherapy plan will also dictate the overall cost of treatment.
What Is the Average Cost of Pet Cancer Treatment?
Chemotherapy itself is expensive, but this is not the only cost to consider when it comes to cancer treatment. Sometimes chemotherapy may be performed by your primary veterinarian, but often your primary vet will refer you to a veterinary oncologist. A veterinary oncologist consultation alone can range from $150-$250.
Diagnosing Cancer:
Referral to an oncologist may be elected after an official diagnosis with your primary vet, or your vet may recommend referral at the suspicion of cancer for the specialist to make the official diagnosis, especially in cases where specialized imaging, like a CT scan is necessary. The workup for cancer diagnosis can include things like bloodwork, X-rays, and an ultrasound. A fine needle aspirate and cytology or a biopsy is necessary for an official diagnosis as well. These diagnostics can cost $500-3000.
Alternative Or Adjunctive Treatments
In addition to chemotherapy, many cancers necessitate a multi-faceted approach that may include surgery, radiation therapy, and supportive care to address side effects. Surgical removal of a tumor can range from $500-$3000 depending on the location and size of the tumor. If a primary tumor cannot be completely removed, sometimes it is recommended to follow up with chemotherapy or radiation therapy in attempt to kill cancer cells left behind. Radiation therapy can cost upward of $4000-$10,000.
Immunotherapy is an up-and-coming cancer treatment involving using a patient’s own cancer cells to formulate a “vaccine” that trains the body’s immune system to fight off those cells. Companies like Torigen have shown great success in helping treat certain types of cancers without chemotherapy, but this treatment does come with a price tag itself, ranging from $1500-2000.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells. In addition to cancer cells, it can target other rapidly dividing cells in the body, leading to side effects. The intestinal tract and bone marrow cells divide rapidly and because of that are affected by chemotherapy more than other cells. The most common side effect of chemotherapy is gastrointestinal upset, including anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea.
Another common side effect is depletion of the white blood cells which can lead to secondary infection, such as pneumonia or sepsis. For this reason, routine monitoring of blood cell counts throughout chemo is essential. Hair loss during chemotherapy is less prevalent in animals than in humans but can occur as well.
Financial Assistance and Financing Options for Chemotherapy
The overwhelming cost of cancer treatment can hang heavily over owners as they decide how to proceed in the face of a new cancer diagnosis for their beloved fur baby. Fortunately, pet insurance cancer coverage helps cover the costs of diagnostics and treatments as long as coverage is in place prior to diagnosis or onset of related symptoms. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance for dogs, so obtaining coverage at the time of adoption is very important.
If pet insurance isn't already in place, alternative financing options for cancer treatment include medical credit cards like CareCredit or Scratchpay, contacting non-profit organizations, or exploring crowdfunding platforms.
Taking Care of Your Dog’s Cancer
Before pursuing cancer treatment, be sure that you completely understand your pet’s diagnosis and treatment options. If you do not, it is important to ask your veterinarian questions until you do understand so that you can make educated decisions on your pet’s care.
The goal of chemotherapy is to put cancer into remission, but when it comes to our pets, quality of life is the top priority. By considering pet insurance cost as part of the overall cost of getting a dog, you can help ensure that you're prepared to provide the best possible care for your new fur baby for their whole life, even through the worst.
While a cancer diagnosis can feel like a world turned upside down, it's important to remember that you're not alone. By understanding the factors that influence the cost of dog cancer treatment, you can navigate this challenging time with greater clarity and peace of mind. Remember, your primary goal is to provide your dog with the best possible quality of life. With the right support, care, and understanding, you can help your furry friend through this difficult journey and give them the care they deserve.