Incidence of sterile hemorrhagic cystitis in dogs receiving cyclophosphamide orally for three days without concurrent furosemide as part of a chemotherapeutic treatment for lymphoma: 57 cases (2007-2012).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence of sterile hemorrhagic cystitis (SHC) and other adverse effects in dogs following oral administration of the single-day, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of cyclophosphamide divided over 3 days as part of a multiagent chemotherapy protocol for treatment of lymphoma without concurrent administration of furosemide.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
57 dogs.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with lymphoma that underwent the described cyclophosphamide treatment. Information was obtained regarding signalment, lymphoma stage, concurrent diseases, cyclophosphamide doses administered, adverse effects (including SHC), remission rates, and outcomes. The incidence of SHC was compared with that of literature-derived historical control groups that received the MTD of cyclophosphamide as a single, 1-day dose with or without furosemide treatment.


RESULTS
None of the 57 dogs developed SHC during the study period. Forty-seven of 57 (82%) dogs had complete remission of lymphoma. Other adverse effects were uncommon and self-limiting; no dogs had myelosuppression, and only 5 had mild gastrointestinal effects. Incidence of SHC was significantly lower than that reported for historical control dogs that received cyclophosphamide as a single dose without furosemide (24/219) and was not significantly different from that for historical control dogs that received cyclophosphamide as a single dose with furosemide (2/139).


CONCLUSIONS
No dogs in this study had SHC following oral administration of the single-day MTD of cyclophosphamide divided over a 3-day period without furosemide administration. Further research is needed to confirm whether this method of cyclophosphamide administration is equivalent or superior to the current single-dose administration method.
Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre and Australian Animal Cancer Foundation, Old Northern Rd and Keong Rd, Albany Creek, QLD 4035, Australia.
Matthew P
MP
Best
Darren R
DR
Fry
D000818:Animals; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003556:Cystitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide; D003520:Cyclophosphamide