This drug also had few side effects associated with it in experimental studies. Though Leflunomide is now available for use in clinical patients, it must be stressed that it is still an experimental drug that may have unpredictable side effects when used as a long-term immunosuppressive agent for renal transplantation in dogs. We also cannot predict the success rate nor the life expectancy associated with the combination of Leflunomide and Cyclosporine at this time. Leflunomide, although very promising for use as an immunosuppressive agent for dogs, is very costly. The dosage is based on the animal's weight.
Dogs tend to require a much higher dose than human beings to prevent rejection.
Studies are showing that a combination protocol of Cyclosporine, Azathioprine, and Prednisolone is effective in preventing rejection in dogs receiving kidneys from unrelated donors. The prognosis for a successful outcome is good to excellent depending on the recipient's health status prior to transplantation. If an owner has a related donor we recommend a blood test to determine if the donor and recipient are immunologically compatible. If the 2 dogs are a complete or partial match then the Cyclosporine, Azathioprine, Prednisolone protocol could be used and the prognosis for a successful outcome is good to excellent. This is still an experimental and unproven protocol however, and the prognosis for a successful outcome is unknown.