CHOP / CEOP Chemotherapy Protocol
Also known as: CHOP Protocol, CEOP Protocol, Madison-Wisconsin Protocol
Your dog is undergoing a comprehensive 25-week chemotherapy protocol. * **Side Effects:** Dogs generally tolerate chemotherapy much better than humans. Hair loss is rare (except in certain breeds like Poodles or Terriers), but mild stomach upset or tiredness for 1-2 days post-treatment can occur. * **Infection Risk:** Because these drugs lower the white blood cell count, your dog is at a higher risk for infection. **Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog develops a fever, severe lethargy, or stops eating.** * **Urinary Monitoring:** Watch your dog's urine closely. If you see any signs of blood or straining to urinate, contact your vet immediately, as this can be a side effect of one of the drugs (cyclophosphamide). * **Safety:** Chemotherapy drugs are excreted in your pet's waste. Wear gloves when cleaning up urine, feces, or vomit for at least 48 hours after each 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
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Vincristine)
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Prednisolone)
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Cyclophosphamide)
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Furosemide)
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Doxorubicin or Epirubicin)
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Maropitant)
- Lymphoma (CHOP/CEOP Protocol - Omeprazole)
- Lymphoma (Alternative to Cyclophosphamide - Chlorambucil)
- Lymphoma (Alternative to Doxorubicin - Mitoxantrone)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Gastrointestinal toxicity (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia)
- Haemorrhagic cystitis (specific to cyclophosphamide)
- Severe tissue necrosis if extravasated (vincristine, doxorubicin)
- Cardiotoxicity (specific to doxorubicin)
- Alopecia (breed dependent)
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe myelosuppression (neutrophil count < 3 x 10^9/l)
- Pre-existing severe cardiac dysfunction (relative contraindication for doxorubicin; use mitoxantrone instead)
- Active haemorrhagic cystitis (substitute cyclophosphamide with chlorambucil)
- MDR1 mutation (requires significant dose reduction or avoidance of vincristine and doxorubicin)
- > **Myelosuppression Management:** * If neutrophils >3 x 10^9/l and platelets >100 x 10^9/l: Proceed with treatment. * If neutrophils <3 x 10^9/l: Suspend treatment, recheck in 5-7 days. * If neutrophils <1 x 10^9/l: Prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. Decrease next dose of the responsible chemotherapy drug by 10%. * If neutrophils <1 x 10^9/l AND patient is pyrexic/unwell: Administer IV antibiotics and contact an oncologist. > **MDR1 Breeds:** Collie-type breeds are highly sensitive to vincristine and doxorubicin due to the MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation. Commercial testing is strongly recommended prior to initiating therapy.
Drug interactions
- Cimetidine: Alters hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme pathway, potentially altering the metabolism and increasing toxicity of chemotherapeutics.
Frequently asked questions
What is CHOP / CEOP Chemotherapy Protocol used for in pets?
Your dog is undergoing a comprehensive 25-week chemotherapy protocol. * **Side Effects:** Dogs generally tolerate chemotherapy much better than humans. Hair loss is rare (except in certain breeds like Poodles or Terriers), but mild stomach upset or tiredness for 1-2 days post-treatment can occur. * **Infection Risk:** Because these drugs lower the white blood cell count, your dog is at a higher risk for infection. **Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog develops a fever, severe lethargy, or stops eating.** * **Urinary Monitoring:** Watch your dog's urine closely. If you see any signs of blood or straining to urinate, contact your vet immediately, as this can be a side effect of one of the drugs (cyclophosphamide). * **Safety:** Chemotherapy drugs are excreted in your pet's waste. Wear gloves when cleaning up urine, feces, or vomit for at least 48 hours after each treatment.
Is CHOP / CEOP Chemotherapy Protocol 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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