Effect of a 1-hour IV infusion of doxorubicin on the development of cardiotoxicity in dogs as evaluated by electrocardiography and echocardiography.

Cardiotoxicity is a potentially life-threatening consequence of treatment with doxorubicin. Without reliable predictive or monitoring tests for early intervention, preventive methods are warranted. This study tested the hypothesis that a 1-hour infusion of doxorubicin would reduce the incidence of cardiotoxicity compared with historical incidences. Inclusion criteria for this retrospective trial were a minimum of three doses of doxorubicin administered as a 1-hour infusion in patients with at least two echocardiographic or electrocardiographic examinations during the course of treatment (median cumulative dose, 120 mg/m2). Of 133 dogs, 16 (12%) developed electrocardiographic abnormalities during or after treatment, which was statistically lower than the historical incidence of 17.7% (31 of 175 dogs). Only seven dogs (5.3%) developed abnormalities during the course of therapy. Three (2%) developed congestive heart failure.