Lomustine is a name of a prescription medication used to treat lymphoma in animals. Although effective at treating this type of cancer in dogs, lomustine does have the potential to cause side effects.
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Significance
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The most significant side effect of lomustine in dogs is bone marrow suppression, which occurs in approximately 40 percent of animals treated with the medication, according to Wedgewood Pharmacy. Bone marrow suppression causes shortages of both blood platelets and white blood cells, causing easy bruising and an increased risk for dogs to develop bacterial and viral infections.
Types of Other Side Effects
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Less common, but not dangerous side effects of lomustine in dogs include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and hair loss.
Drug Interactions
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The canine anti-convulsant medication phenobarbital decreases the effectiveness of lomustine when the two drugs are taken together, explains Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. This means that a higher dosage of lomustine may be necessary to treat lymphoma, which increases the risk of side effects.
Risks
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Lomustine has the potential to cause liver damage in dogs, and in some cases, could lead to fatal liver failure, cautions Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Additionally, lomustine poses a risk for damage to dogs' eyes, kidneys or lungs.
Considerations
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Because lomustine has the potential to cause fetal harm and infertility in dogs, veterinarians rarely prescribe the drug for the treatment of pregnant dogs or those used for breeding, explains Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. If your dog has a history of anemia or decreased lung, liver or kidney function, it may not be safe for it to take lomustine, warns Wedgewood Pharmacy.
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