Carboplatin

What is this medication for?

• Osteosarcoma adjuvant (post-amputation); squamous cell, ovarian, mediastinal, pleural, nasal, thyroid carcinomas; sarcomas
• Same carcinoma spectrum (unlike cisplatin, usable); intratumoral for nasal planum SCC; intracavitary for malignant effusions

How is it given?

This medication is normally given by your veterinary team (in clinic or hospital).

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Myelosuppression — nadir: dog day ~14 (neutrophils + platelets); cat day ~17–21 (neutrophils) (Dose-limiting)
• stomach/intestinal effects (Milder than cisplatin)
• Hypersensitivity (platinum) (Possible)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Platinum hypersensitivity; severe marrow depression
• has or has had: Hepatic/renal disease, hearing impairment, active infection; may blunt vaccine safety/efficacy

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Nephrotoxins (aminoglycosides — cisplatin rule)
  • Other myelosuppressives
  • Meloxicam/NSAIDs

Storage and handling

Chemo gloves; D5W dilution; visually inspect for particulates/discoloration; expensive.

Good to know

• Carboplatin = the platinum you can give to cats (cisplatin kills them — pulmonary edema); the dog dose is ~10× the cisplatin dose — a swap without recalculating is a fatal error in either direction.
• Osteosarcoma adjuvant post-amputation is the flagship use; TCC of the bladder disappointing systemically.
• The D5W-only rule is a pharmacy/dispensing detail that actually matters (unlike many fluid-compat caveats).
• Long feline nadir (up to day 21) — schedule the recheck accordingly.