A type of cancer, lymphoma occurs when cells within a dog's immune system called lymph nodes begin to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. One treatment for lymphoma in dogs is the prescription medication prednisone.
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Function
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Predisone is a medication known as a gluticosteroid and is used as a chemotherapy drug in dogs. The medication suppresses the activities of a dog's immune system, which slows the growth of cancer cells.
Features
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In most cases, veterinarians combine prednisone with other chemotherapy medication such as vincristine, l-asparaginase, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, explains the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Time Frame
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Veterinarians typically prescribe one treatment with prednisone either alone or in combination at least once per week for six weeks for the treatment of dog cancer, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Side Effects
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Prednisone has the potential to cause excessive thirst and excessive urination in some dogs, reports Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. In diabetic dogs, it may cause dangerous increases in blood sugar levels.
Prognosis
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About 90 percent of all dogs respond to combination chemotherapies that contain prednisone, reports the Merck Veterinary Manual;however, the disease still shortens a dog's life span significantly. Depending on the type of lymphoma, dogs typically live six months to one year even if chemotherapy is successful.
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