USE OF RECOMBINANT-HUMAN-ERYTHROPOIETIN FOR MANAGEMENT OF ANEMIA IN DOGS AND CATS WITH RENAL-FAILURE

Objective-To test efficacy and safety of recombinant human erythropoie tin (r-HuEPO) administration in dogs and cats with naturally developin g chronic renal failure. Design-Case series. Animals-6 client-owned do gs and 11 client-owned cats with chronic renal failure. Procedures-r-H uEPO was administered intravenously or subcutaneously. Erythropoietic effects were monitored by determining CBC, performing cytologic examin ation of bone marrow aspirates, and measuring serum iron concentration before and during treatment. Development of adverse effects was monit ored by performing sequential clinical assessments, CBC, and serum bio chemical tests and by measuring indirect blood pressure and anti-r-HuE PO antibody titers. Results-Administration of r-HuEPO increased RBC an d reticulocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, and Hct comparably in dogs and cats, Assessments of clinical well-being, including appetite , energy, weight gain, alertness, strength, and playfulness, were impr oved variably. Adverse effects, including anemia, anti-r-HuEPO antibod y production, seizures, systemic hypertension, and iron deficiency, we re demonstrated inconsistently in dogs and cats. Clinical Implications -Anemia contributes to clinical manifestations of chronic renal failur e in dogs and cats. Administration of r-HuEPO has the potential to res olve anemia and improve clinical well-being. However, its administrati on poses risks of antibody production and adverse effects associated w ith correction of RBC mass. Use of r-HuEPO in dogs and cats requires c onscientious assessment of risks and benefits until homologous forms o f erythropoietin are available.