Medication for K9 Melanoma

Canine melanoma is a type of cancer characterized by malignant lesions on the dog̵7;s skin, sometimes appearing in the mouth or on the lips. As with humans, melanoma in dogs is a life-threatening disease, as cancerous cells may spread throughout the body, invading vital organs. Canine melanoma has a poor prognosis, but there are numerous treatments available, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy drugs and other medications. In February 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a therapeutic vaccine for oral canine melanoma. Consult with a board-certified veterinary oncologist to discuss your dog̵7;s treatment options.

  1. ONCEPT

    • ONCEPT is a canine melanoma vaccine developed by Merial, a leading company in animal healthcare. It is the first and only U.S. government-approved therapeutic vaccine for cancer -- in either humans or animals. A revolutionary DNA vaccine, ONCEPT is a promising medication to extend the survival time of dogs with stage II or stage III oral canine melanoma. The vaccine is designed to be administered using a transdermal device, which delivers the serum without a needle injection.

    Dacarbazine

    • Known by its trade name, DTIC-Dome -- as well as other names such as DIC or imidazole carboxamide -- this anti-cancer medication belongs to a class of drugs called alkylating agents. It is cytotoxic, meaning that it kills cancer cells. It is administered intravenously and the amount of drug given to your dog will depend on various factors, including size and weight, general health and other health problems. Dacarbazine may be prescribed in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat canine melanoma.

    Piroxicam

    • The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam is also known by its trade name, Feldene. It is a medication commonly prescribed to dogs and cats for the treatment of osteoarthritis and many types of cancer, including canine melanoma. Piroxicam is usually administered orally and may be prescribed in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatment.

    Cisplatin

    • This cancer-fighting chemotherapy drug is also known by its trade name, Platinol. It is a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of various cancers in dogs and horses. It is also widely used to treat ovarian cancer in women. While its mechanism of action is not thoroughly understood, the drug works much like an alkylating agent and produces cross links in DNA. Often combined with other medications such as piroxicam, cisplatin may be administered intravenously, through the abdomen or directly into melanoma lesions.

    Warning

    • Talk to your veterinary oncologist about the side effects of medications for canine melanoma. According to the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology, the combination of cisplatin and piroxicam is toxic to the kidneys. Monitor your dog̵7;s response to medication closely and report any noticeable side effects to your veterinarian.