For many families, the bond with a pet is never stronger than when facing a cancer diagnosis. As veterinary oncology advances, life-saving chemotherapy treatments are becoming more common, but these powerful medicines require careful handling both in the clinic and at home. A new study from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the School of Public Health is providing a first-of-its-kind map of how these drugs move, ensuring a One Health approach to safety that includes everyone—from the medical team to the family at home.

CVM Professor of Oncology Antonella Borgatti and her collaborators developed a highly sensitive testing method capable of detecting trace amounts of six different chemotherapy agents. While these drugs are essential for treating cancer, they are also antineoplastic—meaning they are designed to be potent and require specialized handling to prevent unnecessary exposure. The study aimed to identify where residues might persist on surfaces or on a pet’s coat after a treatment session.

The findings, published in Annals of Work Exposures and Health, revealed that residues of drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin can linger on clinic high-traffic areas, such as door handles and treatment tables, as well as on a dog’s fur for up to 24 hours post-treatment.

For the estimated 315,000 veterinary professionals in the U.S., these "invisible footprints" represent a pathway for chronic, low-level exposure. By quantifying these risks, the UMN team is providing the scientific evidence needed to refine decontamination strategies and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols for clinical staff.

Beyond the clinic walls, the study also tracked how these medications follow patients home. By wiping the coats of canine patients, researchers found that drug residues can persist on a dog's fur for at least 24 hours after treatment.

This suggests that as pets interact with their owners—through snuggling, grooming, or sharing furniture—they can inadvertently transport trace amounts of medication into the domestic environment. This discovery highlights the importance of providing pet owners with clear guidance on using gloves and maintaining hygiene in the days following a chemotherapy appointment.

“A cancer diagnosis doesn't change the pet's place in a family,” Borgatti says. “Partnering with the School of Public Health helped us identify where small, unseen exposures can occur so we can better protect the pets receiving care, as well as the people who care for them, both in the clinic and at home.”

This research marks a significant step forward in domestic oncology safety. Respecting the potency of these life-saving drugs and understanding their behavior ensures that the path to recovery is a secure one for pets, veterinary professionals, and the people who love them.