Cisplatin
Also known as: Platinol-AQ
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **What is this drug?** Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers in dogs and horses. * **Strictly for Dogs and Horses:** This medication is **fatal to cats** and will never be prescribed for them. * **Hospitalization Required:** Because this drug can be hard on the kidneys, your dog will need to stay in the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluids for several hours before and after the treatment to flush the kidneys and protect them. * **Side Effects:** Nausea and vomiting are very common. Your veterinarian will give strong anti-nausea medications before treatment, but you should monitor your pet closely at home. Contact your vet if vomiting is severe or persistent. * **Immune System:** This drug can lower white blood cell counts, making your pet more susceptible to infections. Keep them away from sick animals and report any lethargy or fever immediately. * **Safety at Home:** Because this is a chemotherapy drug, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding the safe handling of your pet's urine and feces for a few days after treatment.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For intralesional injection of skin tumors
- For potentially susceptible carcinomas and sarcomas
- Intracavitary administration for palliative control of neoplastic pulmonary effusions
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Severe vomiting (acute and delayed)
- Nephrotoxicity (renal tubular damage)
- Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia)
- Ototoxicity (high-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus)
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea (including hemorrhagic)
- Seizures
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Hyperuricemia
- Increased hepatic enzymes
- Anaphylactoid reactions
- Death
Cautions & contraindications
- Cats (causes fatal pulmonary edema and dyspnea)
- Preexisting significant renal impairment
- Preexisting myelosuppression
- History of hypersensitivity to platinum-containing compounds
- Caution in patients with congestive heart failure (due to required fluid loading)
- > **WARNING: FATAL TO CATS.** Do not administer to felines under any circumstances. * **Nephrotoxicity:** Mandatory saline diuresis is required before and after IV therapy in dogs. * **Administration Rate:** Direct IV infusion over <5 minutes should be avoided as it increases nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. * **Handling:** Wear gloves and protective clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water if accidental exposure occurs. * **Equipment:** Do NOT use aluminum hub needles or aluminum-containing IV sets; aluminum displaces platinum, forming a black precipitate. * **Reproductive Safety:** Teratogenic, embryotoxic, and may cause azoospermia. Use extreme caution.
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides: Potential for increased risk for nephrotoxicity; if possible, delay aminoglycoside administration by at least two weeks after cisplatin.
- Amphotericin B: Potential for increased risk for nephrotoxicity; if possible, delay amphotericin B administration by at least two weeks after cisplatin.
- Furosemide (and other loop diuretics): Potential for increased ototoxicity.
- Phenytoin: Cisplatin may reduce serum levels of phenytoin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cisplatin used for in pets?
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **What is this drug?** Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers in dogs and horses. * **Strictly for Dogs and Horses:** This medication is **fatal to cats** and will never be prescribed for them. * **Hospitalization Required:** Because this drug can be hard on the kidneys, your dog will need to stay in the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluids for several hours before and after the treatment to flush the kidneys and protect them. * **Side Effects:** Nausea and vomiting are very common. Your veterinarian will give strong anti-nausea medications before treatment, but you should monitor your pet closely at home. Contact your vet if vomiting is severe or persistent. * **Immune System:** This drug can lower white blood cell counts, making your pet more susceptible to infections. Keep them away from sick animals and report any lethargy or fever immediately. * **Safety at Home:** Because this is a chemotherapy drug, follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding the safe handling of your pet's urine and feces for a few days after treatment.
Is Cisplatin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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