Bone Cancer in Dogs
Chemotherapy
Bone Cancer in Dogs
Chemotherapy
Carboplatin
Please discuss all information with your vet.
Platinum compounds, such as carboplatin, have been used with success in many types of human cancer and are now part of the arsenal of chemotherapy for dogs. Carboplatin is a clear agent that is painlessly administered directly into the vein over 15-20 minutes. The patient lies quietly on a padded table during administration and rarely needs any form of sedation.
Below are listed the potential side effects of carboplatin. Please consult your pet’s doctor with any questions you may have about chemotherapy.
Potential Side Effects of Carboplatin
Reduction in the Number of White Blood Cells (Neutropenia)
There are various types of cells in the blood. The decrease in the number of infection-fighting white blood cells is known as neutropenia. Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce cells. As a result, neutropenia may occur 10-14 days after chemotherapy.
Neutropenia alone is not a danger to your pet. However, your pet’s ability to fight off infection is impaired by neutropenia. Therefore, prior to each treatment, your pet will get a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Should your pet have a significant reduction in the number of white blood cells, your veterinarian may wish to perform periodic blood tests, and/or prescribe antibiotics to protect your pet from infection and delay the next dose of chemotherapy until the count comes back to normal.
Stomach or Intestinal (Gastrointestinal) Discomfort
Dogs can experience some form of stomach or intestinal discomfort within a week after a chemotherapy treatment. Your veterinarian will prescribe medication to try to prevent or treat the discomfort. Ask your vet about giving the medication even if there are no overt signs of discomfort. Below are listed some suggestions to discuss with your doctor.
Upset Stomach (Nausea)
- If your pet begins to show any signs of upset stomach (drooling, smacking lips) or loss of appetite, administer the medicine your doctor prescribed for nausea.
- Offer ice cubes every few hours.
- After 12 hours, feed your pet small, frequent meals instead of one large meal.
- Call your veterinarian at any time if you have concerns, or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours.
Vomiting
- Do not give your pet any food or water for 12 hours.
- After 12 hours, offer your pet ice cubes, then water, then small bland meals.
- Call your veterinarian at any time if you have concerns, or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours.
Loss of Appetite
- If your pet begins to show any signs of upset stomach or loss of appetite, administer the medicine your doctor prescribed for nausea.
- Offer your pet four small meals a day.
- Add warm broth, animal fats, and favorite foods to increase flavor and appeal.
Diarrhea
- If your pet begins to show signs of diarrhea, administer the medicine your doctor prescribed for diarrhea.
- Keep water available at all times.
- If your pet is also not eating, offer chicken or beef broth.
- Call your veterinarian at any time if you have concerns, or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours.
Kidney Damage
Although kidney damage from various platinum agents is not uncommon, kidney problems related to carboplatin are rare. However, your pet’s kidney function should be assessed by performing certain blood and urine tests prior to each treatment. If any abnormalities are detected, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids may be necessary to correct the problem and the chemotherapy may not be administered until the tests return to normal.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reaction to chemotherapeutic agents is rare, and not a problem you will have to treat at home. Should your pet have an allergic reaction to carboplatin, it would develop upon administration, and your veterinarian and the hospital staff are trained to treat patients for allergic reaction.
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Pets who receive carboplatin rarely lose their hair and, if they do, they are not bothered by it as much as people are. In most pet animals, hair does not grow continually throughout their lives like it does in people. Therefore, hair loss in pets is rare. Exceptions are certain breeds of dogs, such as poodles, old English sheepdogs and other breeds whose hair grows continually. In general, if your pet needs to visit a groomer periodically to be clipped, then your pet may experience some degree of hair loss from chemotherapy. Please ask your pet’s doctor about the possibility of hair loss in your pet.
