Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat owners' views on quality of life during lymphoma chemotherapy
By Tzannes, Sophia et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2008·Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Owners 'perception of their cats' quality of life during COP chemotherapy for lymphoma.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 31 cats with lymphoma underwent chemotherapy using a combination of drugs (COP: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone) to treat their cancer. Owners reported that their cats' quality of life was lower during treatment compared to before the cancer diagnosis, but it improved during chemotherapy compared to the time just before treatment started. Most cats experienced some side effects, but the majority of owners felt that the treatment was worthwhile and would choose to treat another cat in the future. Overall, the chemotherapy was seen as a tolerable option for their cats.
People also search for: cat lymphoma treatment · chemotherapy side effects in cats · quality of life for cats with cancer
Abstract
Questionnaires regarding the perceptions of chemotherapy and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) of their cat were received from owners of 31 cats treated for lymphoma between 2002 and 2006 with COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone) chemotherapy. The QoL scores prior to the onset of cancer (mean 9.5, range 6-10) were significantly higher than the ratings given after the onset of cancer but before commencement of chemotherapy (mean 3.9, range 1-9.4). The QoL scores during chemotherapy (mean 6.3, range 1-10) were also significantly lower than prior to the onset of cancer, but significantly higher during treatment than prior to starting treatment. Adverse effects were experienced by 27 (87%) cats during the course of chemotherapy. Twenty-five (83%) of clients were happy they treated their cat and 27 owners (87%) would treat another cat. The results suggest that COP chemotherapy is perceived by owners to be tolerated by cats.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17827048/