To The Doctors of Cancergrace:
My mother-in-law's oncologist has recommended that she stay apart from her toy poodle during cancer treatment for fear of infection. As a result, the dog has been kenneled a few months now, and there are reports that he is getting homesick.
Is it an unreasonable risk to enjoy the company of a pet during chemo?
If not -- what precautions should one take at home with a pet during chemotherapy? Are the rules different for dogs and cats?
I've read that one must avoid all contact with feces or urine and to avoid getting scratched. Other than that, are any special precautions called for? Would it help to kennel the dog on days 7-14 (during WBC nadir) after chemo? Finally, are pets somehow more risky in tropical climates?
Thanks,
aschweig
Reply # - October 10, 2013, 06:23 PM
Reply To: Pets during chemotherapy or radiation
To my knowledge, there are no official recommendations, and I don't recommend that people on chemo or radiation avoid pets. I also know of no oncologist who makes any such recommendation. It might possibly be an issue for someone on treatments that are known to be associated with prolonged, severe immunosuppression, such as for leukemia, but that isn't the case with lung cancer treatment.
I don't believe this opinion is biased by the love of my own dog.
-Dr. West
Reply # - October 11, 2013, 08:53 AM
Reply To: Pets during chemotherapy or radiation
I think my opinion may be biased by my dogs. I can't imagine separating our dogs from my husband especially during chemo. He even talked about dressing the german shepard in guide dog gear and taking him to treatment. LOL
I hope your mother-in-law is soon reunited with her poodle. :cry:
Reply # - November 4, 2013, 06:30 PM
Reply To: Pets during chemotherapy or radiation
A bit of an update on this. It seems that in certain regions dogs are often thought of being to blame for harboring an oncogenic fungus -- which may be the reason that our oncologist suggested keeping the dog away.
Risk factors for lung cancer among Northern Thai women: epidemiological, nutritional, serological, and bacteriological surveys of residents in high- and low-incidence areas.
I personally doubt that our very well groomed and often bathed toy poodle is a carrier of Microsporum canis. I also doubt that removing any dog after onset of metastatic cancer could substantially change the prognosis.
Reply # - November 5, 2013, 07:30 AM
Reply To: Pets during chemotherapy or radiation
My dad lived with me during the final months of his life, and I can say without a doubt that my lab helped him thru his roughest times.
That being said, my boy died in July and just the thought of him brings me instant tears. He broke my heart. I can't imagine being separated from him during treatments (other than by the fact that he has passed away).
I hope your mother in law can be reunited with her fur baby. I can't help but to believe that it will help her immensely.