Is darbepoetin safe for cats?
Darbepoetin is effective in treating anemia of kidney disease in humans and may be used in cats.
What is darbepoetin used for in cats?
Darbepoetin administration in cats with CKD is effective at stimulating erythropoiesis and aids in correcting anemia of renal disease. A starting dosage of 1.0 μg/kg SC once weekly seems to provide a better response than lower dosages, and iron supplementation is strongly recommended during darbepoetin treatment.
How do you treat CKD anemia in cats?
Treatment involves treating the symptoms related to chronic kidney failure and anemia, and replacement of deficient erythropoietin. In case of severe anemia, a whole blood transfusion will be performed. Iron will also be added to the supportive therapy in cases with low levels of iron in the blood.
Is cerenia safe for cats with kidney disease?
Maropitant (Cerenia) is an effective anti-vomiting, anti-nausea medication that is helpful in the treatment of inappetence in cats with renal failure. Often potassium supplements either given in fluids or orally are needed.
How quickly does Epogen work in cats?
Most patients achieve a normal red blood cell count within the first 4 weeks of therapy. Many patients can be maintained on weekly injections after that.
How do cats become anemic?
When the kidneys fail to work properly your cat’s body is unable replace red blood cells as quickly as the cat’s body uses them, resulting in anemia. This form of anemia is typically seen in older cats, and could also be caused by bone marrow disorders, liver disease or other chronic diseases.
How quickly does darbepoetin work?
Darbepoetin alfa injection will help to control your anemia only as long as you continue to use it. It may take 2-6 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of darbepoetin alfa injection.
How Long Can cats live with anemia?
However, some cats with MDS that present with less severe clinical signs can survive for 1 year or longer.
How is darbepoetin used to treat kidney disease in cats?
Darbepoetin is effective for treatment of anemia of kidney disease in cats. Pure red cell aplasia appears to be less common with darbepoetin than with epoetin usage. The use of darbepoetin to stimulate erythropoiesis in anemia of chronic kidney disease in cats: 25 cases
When does a cat become responsive to darbepoetin?
Cats were defined as responsive to darbepoetin treatment if they reached or exceeded a target PCV or HCT of 25% within 56 days of initiating darbepoetin treatment and maintained a PCV or HCT ≥25% through day 56.
How much darbepoetin does a 10lb cat need?
Let’s take the example of a 10lb cat who is being given 1 mcg of darbepoetin per kg of cat. If you check the table above, you will see that a 10lb cat weighs 4.5kg, so this cat needs 4.5 mcg each time. Your syringe contains 20mcg, so it contains around 4.5 doses altogether (20mcg divided by 4.5mcg).
Is the drug darbepoetin safe for human use?
Darbepoetin is an effective erythropoiesis-stimulating agent in people, but there is little data on its use in companion animals.