Cytarabine/Cytosar

Introduction

This medication is an injectable treatment that can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously. It is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases, such as Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME) and necrotizing encephalitis, and is also used in certain types of cancer, like lymphoma.

Skeletal formula of Cytarabine

Treatment Protocols

Inflammatory Disease

The initial treatment typically involves an infusion at the hospital, followed by subsequent injections under the skin every 4 weeks. If your pet responds well, we will gradually extend the interval between treatments by two weeks until they occur every 8 to 10 weeks. At that stage, we may consider discontinuing the medication. However, if symptoms reoccur, it may indicate a need for lifelong treatment.

Each treatment cycle requires your pet to be at the hospital for two consecutive days. During the first four sessions, we will monitor your pet’s white blood cell count to ensure the medication has not adversely affected it. The first appointment, including blood work, will take 30-45 minutes, while the second appointment will be quicker, involving only the injection. If convenient, we can arrange to board your pet overnight for these treatments.

Cancer Treatment

If your pet is being treated for cancer, your veterinarian will outline a specific treatment schedule.

Special Precautions

Pregnant women, small children, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid contact with the pet for three days following treatment. Additionally, wear gloves and wash hands immediately after cleaning up any urinary accidents for three days after therapy.

Potential Side effects

Generally, this medication is very well tolerated. However, potential side effects include:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Appetite loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Blood Cell Counts: Low levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets may occur. A significantly low white blood cell count may require the initiation of antibiotics and a delay in treatment.
Other Rare Side Effects: Eye irritation, oral ulcers, neurotoxicity, and liver toxicity are infrequent but possible.