When chemotherapy is recommended for dogs and cats, what are the risks of side effects? What should be done if they become lethargic?＜Cordy Research Laboratory＞

I’ve heard from pet owners that “the doctor said the side effects on dogs and cats are not as severe as in humans (or they don’t occur at all).”

But is this really true?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that while the side effects may not be “as severe” as in humans, this does not mean that there are no side effects at all.

You often hear that “without treatment, lifespan is one month, with chemotherapy, it’s six months,” but this is in cases where, fortunately, the side effects were mild and positive effects, such as reduction in the size of the tumor, were observed.

The resilience to withstand side effects differs between young and older pets.

While chemotherapy might potentially eliminate the cancer, like surgery, there is a considerable risk that it could also result in loss of life.

If the side effects outweigh the benefits, continuing chemotherapy may be futile.

However, even if the treatment is effective, it is dangerous to continue using it indefinitely.

While the first round of chemotherapy might have been successful, continuing it long-term significantly burdens the body.

Just because the first treatment was effective does not guarantee the second one will be.

As chemotherapy is continued, cancer cells also develop resistance to the drug, leading to the need for increasingly stronger medications.

If the treatment has been effective and the pet is stable, it might be an option to give them a break from chemotherapy.

Additionally, in recent years, a method called Metronomic Therapy (low-dose chemotherapy, cancer dormancy therapy), which is less taxing on the body compared to traditional chemotherapy, has emerged.

While severe side effects are less likely with low doses, some degree of immune suppression can still occur.

Research is being conducted to see if Cordy can help minimize this immune suppression.

Harnessing Immune Power to Combat Chemotherapy Side Effects

Undergoing chemotherapy invariably leads to side effects. Even if the cancer shrinks, if your dog or cat is left lethargic due to these side effects, their quality of life cannot be considered maintained.

By properly boosting the immune system, it is expected to alleviate side effects and speed up recovery. Additionally, during chemotherapy, there is a risk of decreased liver function. At the Cordy Research Lab, we are studying whether combining immune-regulating ingredient Cordy with domestic SPF porcine-derived placental extract can mitigate side effects and improve QOL (quality of life).

If you have any questions, please contact us.
※We are also researching the application of Cordy, a specific type of Cordyceps with expected immune-regulating functions, for humans.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。　モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。

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