New cancer drug for dogs receives FDA approval

“The new drug, Palladia, manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health Inc., has been approved to treat a type of cancer that accounts for about one in five cases of canine skin tumors.”

Previously, vets had to treat dogs for cancer using specially administered drugs, only designed and approved for humans. There was no way to know the effects these drugs would have on the dog’s health. Although this marks a breakthrough in treating canine cancers, the drug itself is not perfect. Owners should be aware of the drug’s side effects.

“Common side effects include diarrhea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and blood in the stool.”

Story from The Associated Press. Image source: Magh.