Chemotherapeutic responses in dogs with lymphosarcoma and hypercalcemia
Weller, R.E.; Theilen, G.H.; Madewell, B.R.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 181(9): 891-893
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 6897239 Document Number: 192604
Twelve dogs with lymphosarcoma and hypercalcaemia were treated over a period of 36 months. Signs and laboratory findings were referable to hypercalcaemia and azotaemia. All dogs were classified histologically, and given cytoreductive chemotherapy, using five drugs (vincristine sulphate, cytosine arabinoside, cyclophosphamide, L-asparaginase, and prednisone). For azotaemia, symptomatic therapy (0.9% NaCl solution and furosemide) was given. Seven dogs responded completely, with reduction of lymphadenopathy and return of serum calcium concentration to normal. Median duration of remission in this group was 48 days (range, 14-93), and median survival time was 112 days (range, 85-153). Five non-responding dogs had less than 50% reduction in measurable tumour mass, although serum calcium concentration returned to normal. The median survival time for this group was 34 days (range, 23-68). Two of the non-responders died from sepsis and another from disseminated intravascular coagulation. Response to therapy did not appear to be influenced by age, breed, sex, initial calcium concentration, degree of azotaemia, or histological classification.