Dichloroacetate for Cancer in Dogs

It is difficult when your dog has cancer, and the hope is for providing the best quality of life. Pharmaceutical companies keep coming up with new medications and treatments for that "miracle cure." One such recent drug is Dichloroacetate (DCA) for the cure of humans and dogs with cancer. Studies have shown that this new drug has been used for years to treat metabolic disorders and has been proven to be relatively safe. Tests also look promising for the treatment of canine cancer with DCA.

  1. Significance

    • Tests for the use of DCA were conducted back in 2007 at the University of Alberta where there was some adverse side effects reported, at various dosage levels. Some pet owners are using DCA on their terminally ill dogs to treat their cancers, in multiple daily lowest doses, rather than once a day, with fair success, and minimal side effects, compared with chemotherapy.

    Effects

    • DCA is a man-made chemical that is a "buffered" form of Dichloracetic acid, but is safe to be taken orally. DCA can also be absorbed into the skin. Pharmaceutical companies have not approved this drug for use in humans. Veterinary oncologists, on the other hand, are using DCA on dogs with terminal cancer. What this drug does is interfere in the process of the cancer cells, halting them, and essentially causing these cancer cells to die off.

    Benefits

    • DCA has the ability to target cancer cells more selectively while minimizing damage to normal cells as occurs with classic chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy. It has the ability to stop the progression of the bad cells, not affecting the healthy good cells. It can slow the progression of a cancerous tumor growth, as well.

    Side Effects

    • According to Petaware.com and Sparkyfightsback.com, there are minimal side effects with Dichloroacetate. Other than some minor numbness due to nerve damage, and minimal pain and discomfort for the first few days of treatment, the side effects are much less than those experienced with chemotherapy and radiation.

    Considerations

    • DCA should not be considered a safe and absolute cure for cancer in your dog while it is still in clinical trials. Though it has been used successfully, according to Petaware.com, in some dogs with terminal cancer, it would be wise for you to speak with your veterinarian to determine the exact benefits of DCA for your dog with cancer, and its availability.