Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chemotherapy risks for dogs with low platelets explained
By Finlay, J et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative oncology·2017·Perth Veterinary Oncology, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of the risks of chemotherapy in dogs with thrombocytopenia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) undergoing chemotherapy were monitored for side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. The study found that these dogs did not have a higher risk of these issues compared to dogs with normal platelet counts. In fact, dogs with lymphoma and normal platelet levels were more likely to experience vomiting after treatment. Overall, the findings suggest that giving chemotherapy to dogs with thrombocytopenia is generally safe regarding these specific side effects.
People also search for: dog chemotherapy side effects · thrombocytopenia in dogs · dog vomiting after chemotherapy
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia is commonly encountered in veterinary oncology. Currently, there are no standard guidelines regarding the administration of chemotherapy to the patients with thrombocytopenia. This observational epidemiological cohort study aimed to determine whether thrombocytopenic dogs were at increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects (vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence) or haemorrhage following administration of standard doses of chemotherapy. The adverse effects following 77 prospectively identified episodes of thrombocytopenia (platelet count, <200 000 µL) were compared with the adverse effects experienced in a retrospective cohort (platelet count >200 000 µL), and evaluated by statistical analysis. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects or haemorrhage between thrombocytopenic and control dogs. The control group of dogs with lymphoma were statistically more likely to experience vomiting as an adverse effect of chemotherapy (P = 0.028). The results presented here showed no evidence for an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects or haemorrhage in thrombocytopenic dogs after receiving standard doses of chemotherapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25864417/