Palladia (Toceranib) for Dogs

Palladia (Toceranib) for Dogs is a vet-prescribed medication for canine mast cell tumors and select tumors (specialist-directed). Palladia (toceranib phosphate) is a prescription targeted cancer therapy for mast cell tumors and certain other tumors in dogs. A licensed veterinarian sets the right dose — never a website.

What it is

Palladia (toceranib phosphate) is a prescription targeted cancer therapy for mast cell tumors and certain other tumors in dogs. It is used under the direction of a veterinary oncologist as part of a cancer treatment plan.

What it is used for

Veterinarians prescribe it for canine mast cell tumors and select tumors (specialist-directed). Whether it is right for your pet, and at what dose, is a decision your veterinarian makes.

How dosing works

The correct amount depends on your pet's weight, species, other medications, and health — which is why a licensed veterinarian sets it, not a website. Your veterinarian reviews your pet and sets the prescription and dose for your animal.

How it works

Many tumors depend on signals that tell cells to grow and to build new blood vessels. Toceranib is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor: it blocks several of those signaling proteins at once, which can slow tumor growth and cut off part of the tumor's blood supply. It was developed for canine mast cell tumors and is also used by veterinary oncologists for some other cancers.

What to expect

Toceranib is a cancer medication managed by a veterinarian, usually with an oncologist's input. Treatment involves regular rechecks, bloodwork, blood-pressure and urine monitoring, and adjustments based on how your dog responds and tolerates it. The goal is often to control the cancer and protect quality of life rather than to cure it. Your veterinary team will explain what success looks like for your dog's specific tumor.

Side effects and what to watch for

Side effects are more significant than with everyday medications and are a major reason for close monitoring. Digestive effects such as diarrhea, reduced appetite, and vomiting, sometimes with blood, are common, along with lethargy, lameness, and changes in blood pressure or protein levels. Serious effects can occur. Contact your veterinary team promptly about any diarrhea, blood in the stool, not eating, or a dog who seems unwell; they will tell you when to pause treatment.

Before giving it: cautions

This is a potent prescription medicine that is only appropriate under veterinary supervision, with the dose and schedule set and adjusted by the clinician. It carries handling precautions for the people in the home, since it is a cytotoxic drug: wear gloves, keep it away from children and pregnant or nursing people, and follow your pharmacy's handling and disposal instructions. Tell your veterinary team about every other medication and any new symptom.

Where it fits

Toceranib is one tool within a cancer plan that may also include surgery, other medications, and supportive care, and it is chosen and overseen by veterinarians experienced in oncology. Decisions about starting, continuing, pausing, or stopping it are individual and depend on the tumor type, your dog's overall health, and how they are doing. Your veterinary oncology team leads that plan and the monitoring it requires.

Questions to ask your veterinarian

If your veterinarian is considering this medication, these questions help you understand the plan:

• What does toceranib aim to do for my dog's tumor?
• What monitoring schedule will we follow?
• Which side effects mean I should call you right away?
• What are the handling precautions at home?
• What signs would tell us to pause or change treatment?

Frequently asked questions