Prodrug activated by hepatic CYP enzymes to methyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC), which methylates DNA at O6 and N7 positions of guanine, causing DNA crosslinks, mismatch repair failure, and apoptosis. Cell-cycle non-specific.
At a glance
Class
Alkylating Agent / Triazene (Chemotherapy)
Schedule
Prescription (Chemotherapy)
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted — protect from light; stable 8h at room temperature; chemotherapy precautions
Dosing
Used for relapsed lymphoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and apocrine gland c
Frequency
q3 weeks per protocol
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
CBC at nadirHepatic enzymesGI toleranceTumor response
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Dacarbazine (DTIC)?
Dacarbazine (DTIC) is a alkylating agent / triazene (chemotherapy) used in pets. Prodrug activated by hepatic CYP enzymes to methyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide (MTIC), which methylates DNA at O6 and N7 positions of guanine, causing DNA crosslinks, mismatch repair failure, and apoptosis. Cell-cycle non-specific.
›What is Dacarbazine (DTIC) used for in pets?
Dacarbazine (DTIC) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for relapsed lymphoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and apocrine gland c; Rarely used in cats.
›What is the Dacarbazine (DTIC) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dacarbazine (DTIC) is typically dosed as follows — Used for relapsed lymphoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and apocrine gland c: 800–1000 mg/m² PO q3 weeks per protocol. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Dacarbazine (DTIC) dose for cats?
For cats, Dacarbazine (DTIC) is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used in cats: undefined undefined IV q3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Dacarbazine (DTIC) need a prescription?
Yes. Dacarbazine (DTIC) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database