Can an Appetite Stimulant Be Added During Cancer Treatment?
by Nancy
(Humacao, Puerto Rico)
Appetite stimulants such as mirtazapine are commonly used in dogs with cancer, and they can help, but please don't add any medicine without a vet's approval. Dogs on cancer drugs and pain medicine can have interactions, and mirtazapine itself can interact with some other drugs. The dose also needs to be worked out for her.
Even while the specialist is away, most oncology practices have another vet covering, so call the specialist's office and ask who is on call. Your regular vet can also phone the specialist's practice for advice. Loss of appetite on treatment can be a side effect of the cancer drug itself, so it's important the oncology team knows about it promptly. If she stops eating completely for more than a day, or starts vomiting, having diarrhea or seems weak, call the covering oncologist or an emergency vet the same day.
See cancer in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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