Therapy
Table 4. Current treatment protocols for CanL
| Drugs | Dose | Main side effects |
| Meglumine antimoniate A | 100 mg/kg SC*, once a day or divided in two doses, for 4-6 weeks (initial reduced dosages for 2-3 days may be useful to detect any adverse events) B | Potential nephrotoxicity Pain and inflammation at injection site |
| Miltefosine A | 2-2.5 mg/kg PO, once a day for 28 days** | Disorexia Vomiting Diarrhea |
| Allopurinol | 10mg/kg PO, twice a day for 6-12 months (depending on the staging and the side effects***) | Xanthine urolithiasis Renal mineralization Nephrolithiasis |
| Domperidone C | 0.5 mg/kg PO, once a day for 1 month and following manufacturer instructions | Galactorrhea |
| Dietary nucleotides with AHCC C-D | Once a day, PO. Following manufacturer instructions, for 6-12 months |
A Registered for veterinary use in most European countries; both therapies are recommended in combination with allopurinol.
B There is a limited number of studies on optimal treatment regimen.
Recommended dosages off-label but according to pharmacokinetic and clinical studies in dogs. Treatment may be extended by 2-3 weeks in patients stages II and III (without CKD) and with severe clinical picture or laboratory abnormalities.
C To be considered as monotherapy only for stage I.
D To be considered, as an alternative to allopurinol, in dogs with xanthinuria due to allopurinol side effects.
AHCC: Active hexose correlated compound – PO: Per os – SC: Subcutaneous
* Injections should be administered in different skin sites.
** To reduce side effect administered always with food.
*** Monitoring side effects with urinalysis and abdominal ultrasound is recommended periodically.
Disclaimer: Information given here on drugs and dosages are based on a consensus of clinical and scientific experience by the LeishVet members. Most recommendations have been published in scientific peer-reviewed journals. Veterinary practitioners are requested to check with product leaflets and product registrations in their related country prior to any product selection and initiation of treatment.