The importance of supportive therapies in oncology will be highlighted by Vetark, specialists in nutritional supplements for companion animals, at the 2025 London Vet Show. Board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Paola Valenti DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Oncology), DECVIM-CA (Oncology) will deliver a session titled “It’s not just the cancer: use of supportive therapies in pets undergoing chemotherapy,” giving veterinary professionals practical tools to manage side effects and enhance patient wellbeing. The session takes place on Thursday 20th November 2025, 13:00–13:50, in Exhibitor Showcase Theatre 3.
Veterinary oncology has made remarkable advancements in recent years, offering new hope for pets diagnosed with cancer. However, chemotherapy is only part of the picture, with success in oncology measured by more than tumour response rates. The pet’s overall experience—pain levels, appetite, energy, and emotional wellbeing—plays an equally critical role in treatment outcomes and owner satisfaction. In many cases, owners equate the quality of life with visible signs such as eating habits and activity levels. If these are compromised, they may discontinue treatment, even when clinical outcomes are promising.
While veterinary oncologists focus on tumor control, the reality is that treatment-related side effects such as inappetence, nausea, pain, and gastrointestinal distress frequently undermine outcomes—not only medically, but in the eyes of pet owners. In fact, studies show that up to 58% of owners decline chemotherapy for their pets due to anticipated side effects and perceived impact on quality of life.1,2,3
“What we often forget,” says Dr. Valenti, “is that improving a patient’s comfort and wellbeing during treatment isn’t just a kindness—it’s a clinical necessity. Without appetite, without pain control, even the best chemotherapeutic plan can fail.”
In this session, Dr. Valenti will highlight the approach behind supportive therapies. Supportive care includes a spectrum of interventions designed to reduce treatment side effects, improve physiological function, and enhance the animal’s emotional wellbeing. By addressing nausea, pain, and digestive disturbances proactively, clinicians can prevent secondary complications such as dehydration, malnutrition or abandonment of care by frustrated owners.
Evidence-based strategies now include advanced pharmacologic agents like capromorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates appetite in dogs, and mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant that has appetite-enhancing and anti-nausea effects in cats. These drugs are transforming nutritional support into a predictable, measurable aspect of care. Additionally, probiotics and GI-protective agents support gut health during chemotherapy, while multimodal pain management reduces suffering and promotes recovery.
Dr. Valenti will also discuss integrative strategies, such as how to combine appetite stimulants with antiemetics like maropitant or ondansetron, as well as behavioral and environmental adaptations to reduce anxiety during treatment.
The session is aimed at general practitioners, veterinary oncologists, internists, veterinary nurses and technicians who want to enhance their confidence and capabilities in managing oncologic cases, including guidance on client communication and patient observation. Vetark’s commitment to advancing companion animal health extends beyond nutrition into supporting veterinary education. A select number of delegates attending the talk can also visit Vetark’s stand E45 to receive a goody bag packed with practical resources to complement their learning.
To save your seat, pre-register for “It’s not just the cancer: use of supportive therapies in pets undergoing chemotherapy” by visiting https://bit.ly/VetarkLVS
References
- Johannes CM et al. Anorexia and the Cancer Patient. Vet Clin Small Anim. 2019. https://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/S0195-5616(19)30085-3/abstract
- Thornton LA et al. Owner perceptions of quality of life during feline chemotherapy. JFMS, 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28569081/
- Williams J et al. Factors influencing owners’ chemotherapy decisions in terminally ill pets. Animals, 2017. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5366837/
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