Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
ALT liver enzyme rises in 29% of dogs treated with lomustine
By Hosoya, K et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative oncology·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase activity in dogs treated with CCNU (Lomustine)*.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs receiving chemotherapy with lomustine (CCNU) showed a significant rise in liver enzyme levels, specifically alanine transaminase (ALT), which can indicate liver damage. Out of 109 dogs treated, about 29% experienced a major increase in ALT after one to three doses of the medication, and some dogs had severe elevations without any prior warning signs. In a few cases, dogs developed liver problems, particularly younger dogs under five years old. It's important for pet owners to monitor their dogs closely during this treatment and consult their veterinarian if they notice any unusual symptoms.
People also search for: dog liver problems after chemotherapy · CCNU side effects in dogs · elevated ALT levels in dogs treatment
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation in dogs receiving lomustine (CCNU) and to analyse the pattern of occurrence and potential risk factors. Serum ALT activity in 109 dogs during single-agent CCNU chemotherapy was retrospectively analysed. The median initial dose, dose-intensity and cumulative dose of CCNU were 64 mg m(-2), 21 mg m(-2) week(-1) and 171 mg m(-2), respectively. The overall prevalence of major ALT elevation [> 5-fold upper reference limit (URL)] was 29% (32/109) and developed most commonly after one to three doses of CCNU. These ALT elevations occurred without preceding mild ALT elevation in 53% (17/32) of the cases. Three dogs (2.8%) developed clinical hepatopathy. For severe ALT elevation (>10-fold URL), age < or =5-year-old was associated with higher risk. The findings of this study showed that elevation of ALT is common during CCNU chemotherapy in dogs and severe elevation can develop on a sudden onset.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19891695/