Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood changes in dogs with lymphoma after half-body radiation
By Axiak, Sandra M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2006·Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hematologic changes associated with half-body irradiation in dogs with lymphoma.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Twenty-nine dogs with lymphoma were treated with half-body irradiation (HBI) to see how it affected their blood counts. After the first treatment, many dogs experienced a drop in white blood cells, which is important for fighting infections, but this decrease was temporary. Most dogs recovered their blood counts within a few weeks, although a few experienced low platelet counts, leading to complications in two cases. Overall, while HBI did cause some short-term blood issues, most dogs were able to bounce back and continue their treatment.
People also search for: dog lymphoma treatment · half-body irradiation for dogs · dog low platelet count symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reports describe the technique and efficacy of half-body irradiation (HBI) of dogs with lymphoma, but few describe the distinctive toxicoses associated with the combination of HBI and chemotherapy. HYPOTHESIS: HBI would transiently affect myelocytic and erythroid variables as assessed by serial analysis of complete blood counts. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine dogs with lymphoma treated with HBI during 2002 and 2003. METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records of 29 dogs was performed. Two HBI protocols were used, resulting in delivery of either 6 Gy or 8 Gy to each half of the body, 1 month apart. Dogs received chemotherapy before, during, or after irradiation, or at multiple times. Serial hematology was available for all dogs. Data were analyzed between collection periods by analysis of variance (ANOVA) RESULTS: The mean granulocyte count significantly (P < .01) decreased from 10,017 cells/microL (data range 3,001-20,170 cells/ microL) before the first radiation treatment to 3,250 cells/microL (820-4,400 cells/microL) at week 5 (P < .01). Three weeks after this nadir, the mean increased to 10,150 cells/microL (900-26,700 cells/microL). The hematocrit did not change (36-38%). Thrombocytopenia (<100,000/microL) occurred in 10 dogs. Two dogs died because of complications associated with thrombocytopenia. No significant difference in toxicity was found between the 6 Gy and 8 Gy group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: HBI was myelosuppressive but effects were short term and resolved in 22 of 24 dogs. Further studies are needed to elucidate the safety and role of HBI in the treatment of dogs with lymphoma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17186856/