Determining Whether Probiotics Reduce the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Dogs receiving chemotherapy drugs as a treatment for cancer can suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort, including severe diarrhea, lack of appetite, nausea and weight loss. These side effects may discourage the dog's owner from continuing chemotherapy or, if they are severe enough, may require the anticancer drug protocol to be altered in a way that minimizes its effectiveness. The investigators will evaluate whether oral probiotic supplementation can prevent or minimize adverse gastrointestinal side effects associated with chemotherapy. Giving patients a natural, nondrug supplement, such as probiotics, may decrease the severity or frequency of gastrointestinal toxicity and inflammation, improve nutritional health and improve the overall quality of life for dogs undergoing chemotherapy.