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Cytostatics

Cytostatics are drugs that inhibit or stop the growth of cancer cells. They are often used in the treatment of various types of cancer in dogs. In this blog post, you can find out more about the effects, side effects and use of cytostatic drugs in dogs.

What are cytostatic drugs?

Cytostatic drugs are substances that disrupt or prevent cell division. They act primarily on fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, but also on healthy cells, such as blood, hair or mucous membrane cells. This is why cytostatic drugs have undesirable side effects in addition to the desired effect against cancer.

Cytostatic drugs are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, injections or infusions. The type and dose of cytostatic drugs depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease and the general condition of the dog. Treatment with cytostatic drugs is also known as chemotherapy.

How do cytostatic drugs work?

Cytostatic drugs intervene in the metabolism of the cells and prevent them from dividing or multiplying. They can therefore slow down or stop the growth of tumors or even kill tumor cells. Cytostatic drugs can be used alone or in combination with other therapies such as surgery or radiotherapy.

However, the effect of cytostatic drugs is not specific to cancer cells. They also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as blood, hair or mucous membrane cells. This can lead to side effects such as anemia, hair loss, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The side effects are usually temporary and disappear after the cytostatic drugs are discontinued.

How are cytostatic drugs used in dogs?

The use of cytostatic drugs in dogs is carried out under strict veterinary supervision. The vet decides on the type, dose and frequency of cytostatic drugs to be administered. Treatment can be given on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

When cytostatic drugs are administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules, care must be taken to ensure that the dog swallows the medication completely and does not spit it out or vomit. The medication should not be chewed or broken, as this can cause irritation in the mouth or oesophagus. The medication should also not be touched with the hands, as it can be harmful to humans.

When administering cytostatic drugs intravenously in the form of syringes or infusions, care must be taken to ensure that the access to the blood vessel is not blocked or damaged. The drugs should also not come into contact with the skin or eyes, as they can cause chemical burns.

Treatment with cytostatic drugs requires regular monitoring of the dog by the vet. Blood tests are carried out to check blood count changes and liver and kidney function. X-rays or ultrasound examinations are also carried out to assess the progression of the tumor.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cytostatic drugs in dogs?

The advantages of cytostatic drugs in dogs are:

  • They can prolong or improve the dog's life.
  • They can relieve the dog's pain.
  • They can reduce or stabilize the size of the tumor.
  • They can prevent or delay the metastasis of the tumor.
  • They can be combined with other therapies.

The disadvantages of cytostatic drugs in dogs are:

  • They have side effects that can affect the dog's quality of life.
  • They are expensive and require intensive veterinary care.
  • They are not always effective or tolerated by every dog.
  • They can lead to the development of tumor resistance.
  • They can make the dog susceptible to infection.

Cytostatics are drugs that inhibit or stop the growth of cancer cells. They are often used in the treatment of various types of cancer in dogs. Treatment with cytostatic drugs has advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed up individually. Treatment requires close cooperation between the vet and the dog owner to achieve the best possible outcome for the dog.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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