At Warren House Veterinary Centre, we’re committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments for your pets. We’re excited to offer Stelfonta®, a groundbreaking treatment specifically for certain types of skin mast cell tumours in dogs. This innovative injectable therapy is designed to reduce the need for invasive surgery, delivering fast and effective results.
What is Stelfonta®?
Stelfonta® is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment that targets mast cell tumors, the most common form of skin tumor in dogs. Instead of removing the tumor surgically, Stelfonta® works by breaking down the tumor from the inside, causing it to be destroyed and then naturally removed by the body.
Is Your Dog a Candidate for Stelfonta®?
Stelfonta® was approved by the FDA in 2020 for treating all grades of mast cell tumors, provided they have not spread to other areas of the body (metastasized). Your dog may be a candidate if the tumor meets the following criteria:
- Size: No more than 10 cm³ (roughly the size of a walnut in its shell)
- Location: Easy to reach for injection
- Placement: Anywhere on the surface of your dog’s skin, or below the skin on your dog’s legs
The best way to determine if Stelfonta® is right for your dog is to schedule a consultation with one of our veterinarians. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your pet’s health, evaluate the tumor, and discuss the best treatment options.
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Stelfonta® Protocol: Medications Start 2 Days Before Injection
Before your dog’s Stelfonta® treatment, our veterinarians will prescribe essential oral medications to reduce the risk of mast cell degranulation. Any manipulation of a mast cell tumor can cause degranulation, releasing large amounts of chemicals and compounds, like histamine, which can pose a serious risk to your dog’s health.
- Corticosteroids: Administered starting two days prior to treatment, on the treatment day, and continuously through the 7th day post-treatment (for a total of 10 days).
- H1 and H2 Receptor Blocking Agents: Started on the day of treatment and continued through Day 7 post-treatment (for a total of 8 days).
Additionally, we recommend pre-emptive pain medication to keep patients comfortable, as swelling and bruising at the injection site may occur in the first few days and can be managed with analgesia prescribed by your veterinarian.
How Does Stelfonta® Work?
The active ingredient in Stelfonta® is tigilanol tiglate, which activates the body’s immune response, effectively killing the tumor cells. After treatment, a wound will form where the tumor was located, and it will heal over time, leaving the surrounding skin and tissue healthy. Most pet owners see positive results within weeks, and many tumors do not recur.
Why Choose Stelfonta® at Warren House?
At Warren House Veterinary Centre, we are dedicated to providing the best care for your pet, with a strong focus on innovative treatment options. Our team is fully trained in administering Stelfonta®, and we prioritize a caring and safe environment to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being. Our experience with this treatment allows us to guide you through each stage, from initial consultation to aftercare, ensuring the best possible outcome for your furry friend.
Cost of Stelfonta® Treatment
At Warren House Veterinary Centre, the cost of Stelfonta® treatment is £1,200, which includes:
- Initial Consultation
- Pre-medication
- General Anaesthesia
- Pain Relief
- Post-medication
- Post-Op Check
Our team is fully trained in administering Stelfonta®, and we prioritise a caring and safe environment to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being throughout the treatment process.
Caring for Your Pet After Treatment
After the Stelfonta® injection, it’s normal to see a wound at the tumor site as the body begins the healing process. Our veterinary team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and support, including wound care and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Book a Consultation
If you have concerns about a lump on your dog or are seeking the latest treatment options, we invite you to contact us to learn more about Stelfonta®. As part of our commitment to offering state-of-the-art veterinary care, Warren House Veterinary Centre is here to provide innovative solutions to help your pet live a happy, healthy life.
Thank you for reading – until next time!