Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Alterations in Dogs Treated with Minoxidil
January 1989
in “
Toxicologic Pathology
”
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Studysummary This paper discusses the pathogenesis of cardiovascular lesions in dogs associated with minoxidil, noting that lesions were not prevented by adrenergic blockade or neural activity suppression, and highlights the differences in injury progression between coronary arteries and the right atrium. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
Minoxidil treatment in dogs can cause cardiovascular damage, including arterial injury, hemorrhagic lesions, and necrosis. The study highlights the potential risks associated with minoxidil use. Minoxidil use in dogs leads to cardiovascular damage that worsens with continued use, and ß-blockers are not effective in preventing this damage. The use of minoxidil in dogs leads to three cardiovascular alterations that are caused by the active metabolite of minoxidil, not histaminic agents or sympathectomy. Minoxidil use in dogs can lead to irreversible cardiovascular damage, causing hemorrhagic lesions on the right side of the heart. The study cautions against the use of high doses of minoxidil in dogs due to the risk of cardiovascular lesions.
