Carboplatin (Paraplatin)

CARBOPLATIN (Paraplatin) – Please discuss all information with your vet

Platinum compounds, such as carboplatin, are some of the newest agents being used in cancer therapy. They have been used with success in many types of human cancer. Although the use of these agents in animals is relatively new, they have shown promise in a variety of tumors. Carboplatin is a clear agent that is painlessly administered directly into the vein over 15-20 minutes. The patient lies quietly on a padded table during administration and rarely needs any form of sedation.

Practically all anticancer drugs have side effects. However, their potential effect against the cancer outweighs the possible side effects. Although serious adverse effects can occur with any chemotherapy, there is less than a 5% chance that your pet will be hospitalized with side effects and less than a 1% chance of fatality. Below are listed the potential side effects of carboplatin. Please consult your pet’s doctor with any questions you may have about chemotherapy.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF CARBOPLATIN:

Reduction in the Number of White Blood Cells (Neutropenia). There are various types of cells in the blood. The decrease in the number of infection fighting white blood cells is known as neutropenia. Many chemotherapeutic agents impair the bone marrow’s ability to produce cells. As a result, neutropenia may occur between 10 to 21 days after chemotherapy. Neutropenia alone is not a danger to your pet. However, your pet’s ability to fight off infection is impaired by neutropenia. Therefore, prior to each carboplatin treatment, your pet will get a blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC). Should your pet have a significant reduction in the number of white blood cells, your veterinarian may wish to perform periodic blood tests, and/or prescribe antibiotics to protect your pet from infection.

Stomach or Intestinal (Gastrointestinal) Discomfort. Many patients experience some form of stomach or intestinal discomfort two to seven days after a chemotherapy treatment. Your veterinarian will prescribe medication to try to prevent or treat the discomfort. Some veterinarians recommend giving the medication even if there are no overt signs of discomfort. Please discuss this with your vet. Below are listed some steps you can take at home.

Upset stomach (Nausea)
  1. If your pet begins to show any signs of upset stomach (drooling, “smacking” lips) or loss of appetite, administer the medicine your doctor prescribed for nausea.
  2. Offer ice cubes every few hours.
  3. After 12 hours, feed your pet small, frequent meals instead of one large meal.
  4. Call your veterinarian at any time if you have concerns, or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours.
Vomiting
  1. Do not give your pet any food or water for 12 hours.
  2. After 12 hours, offer your pet ice cubes, then water, then small bland meals.
  3. Call your veterinarian at any time if you have concerns, or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours.
Loss of Appetite
  1. If your pet begins to show any signs of upset stomach or loss of appetite, administer the medicine your doctor prescribed for nausea.
  2. Offer your pet four small meals a day.
  3. Add warm broth, animal fats, and favorite foods to increase flavor and appeal.
Diarrhea
  1. If your pet begins to show signs of diarrhea, administer the medicine your doctor prescribed for diarrhea.
  2. Keep water available at all times.
  3. If your pet is also not eating, offer chicken or beef broth.
  4. Give Pepto Bismol (dogs only), 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs of body weight every 4 to 6 hours if okay with your veterinarian.
  5. Call your veterinarian at any time if you have concerns, or if the condition persists for more than 24 hours.

Deafness Although this problem has never been documented in animals, it is a rare problem in human patients and should be a side effect you are aware of.

Kidney Damage Although kidney damage as a result of various platinum agents is not uncommon, kidney problems related to carboplatin are rare. However, your pet’s kidney function should be assessed by performing certain blood and urine tests prior to each treatment. If any abnormalities are detected, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids may be necessary to correct the problem and the chemotherapy may not be administered until the tests return to normal.

Allergic Reactions Allergic reaction to chemotherapeutic agents is rare, and not a problem you will have to treat at home. Should your pet have an allergic reaction to carboplatin, it would develop upon administration, and your veterinarian and the hospital staff are trained to treat patients for allergic reaction.

Hair Loss (Alopecia) Pets who receive carboplatin rarely lose their hair, and if they do, they are not bothered by it as much as people are. In most pet animals, hair does not grow continually throughout their lives like it does in people. Therefore, hair loss in pets is rare. Exceptions are certain breeds of dogs, such as poodles, Old English Sheepdogs and other breeds whose hair grows continually. In general, if your pet needs to visit a groomer periodically to be clipped, then your pet may experience some degree of hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. Cats may, however, lose all or most of their whiskers. Please ask your pet’s doctor about the possibility of hair loss in your pet.