Abstract

Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone

Author(s): Garza Meagan A, Hoffart Steve, Parsons-Doherty Melissa, Clark Deborah H, Banov Fabiana, Carvalho Maria

Issue: Jan/Feb 2026 - Volume 30, Number 1

Page(s): 12-21

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  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 1
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 2
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 3
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 4
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 5
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 6
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 7
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 8
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 9
  • Case Series of Veterinary Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Low-Dose Naltrexone Page 10

Abstract

A veterinary referral center specializing in veterinary oncology collaborated with a local compounding pharmacy to evaluate the effects of adding low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to the palliative care of dogs undergoing treatment for various cancers. Seven male neutered dogs were initially enrolled, each prescribed naltrexone 2 mg or 4.5 mg capsules (LoxOral), depending on body weight. Dosing began once daily for 30 days, then increased to twice daily for the remainder of the three-month study. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed at baseline and every 9–10 days using a structured, cancer-specific veterinary questionnaire. Four dogs were evaluable, representing diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma, T-cell lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and multilobular osteochondrosarcoma. Improvements were observed in multiple domains, including happiness, mental status, pain control, appetite, hydration, and mobility. Owners consistently reported a maintained or enhanced quality of life. The treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. These results suggest that oral compounded LDN may be a valuable palliative care option in veterinary oncology, particularly when incorporated upon diagnosis to help preserve quality of life throughout treatment.

Related Keywords

  • Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN)
  • Veterinary Palliative Care
  • Veterinary Oncology

Related Categories

  • CANCER AND AIDS
  • VETERINARY
  • CASE REPORTS

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