Evaluating Continuous Cytarabine Infusion Via Omnipod® System, the Feasibility of at-Home Treatment in Dogs with Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Etiology, a Pilot Study

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of at-home cytarabine (CA) delivery via a novel delivery system (Omnipod®) to dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Nine dogs with clinical MUE received CA through a 24-hour continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) using the Omnipod® system, with cytarabine administered at 12.5 mg/m²/hour, totaling 300 mg/m² over 24 hours. A single plasma sample was obtained between 20 and 22 hours after initiation of CSCI, and plasma CA concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Ten plasma CA samples were analyzed, showing concentrations ranging from 533 ng/mL to 2958 ng/mL, similar to levels previously reported with continuous intravenous infusion. All owners responded positively to the Omnipod® at-home therapy, with no issues reported regarding its use or removal; seven out of nine preferred the at-home Omnipod® therapy over traditional inhospital treatment. These findings suggest that the Omnipod® system is a viable alternative for at-home CA administration in dogs with MUE.