The doxorubicin's cardiotoxity was evaluated in seven clinically healthy adult dogs by means of intravenously injections of 30mg/m² of doxorubicin chloridate (Adriblastina®), every 21 days, for 168 days (group A), performing a total cumulative dose of 240mg/m². Other seven dogs received 5ml of 0.9% saline sterile solution intravenously way (group B), following the protocol described above. All animals were evaluated periodically by means of M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic exams. There was an increase (P<0.01) in the internal diameter and volume of the left ventricle, first in systole and later in diastole, hypokinesis of interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall, a decrease of 65% in the ejection and shortening fractions and an increase in mitral valve E point to septal separation as well in group A animals. The cardiac abnormalities associated with chronic doxorubicin therapy were similar to those described in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. The echocardiographic indices, obtained by M-mode, could be used for monitoring and prevention of doxorubicin's cardiotoxicity.
dog; doxorubicin; cardiotoxicity; echocardiography
