Heart Failure Associated With Minoxidil Intoxication in a Cat

September 2025 in “ Journal of Veterinary Cardiology ”

Clodoveo Ferri, Olivier Dossin, Vassiliki Gouni

Studysummary This study observed that a 13-month-old cat experienced transient myocardial thickening and congestive heart failure episodes likely due to minoxidil intoxication, coinciding with contact with a family member using the drug, suggesting environmental exposure may trigger cardiac events in pets.

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A 13-month-old Russian blue cat experienced two episodes of heart failure, characterized by transient myocardial thickening and pulmonary edema, after contact with a family member using minoxidil for androgenic alopecia. The cat's symptoms resolved with treatment, and echocardiographic follow-ups showed normalization of heart structures. Minoxidil intoxication was retrospectively considered a likely cause of the cat's heart issues, highlighting the potential risk of minoxidil exposure in pets.

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research Topical Minoxidil Exposures and Toxicoses in Dogs and Cats: 211 Cases (2001–2019)

5 citations , August 2021 in “The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association/Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association”

This study observed that accidental topical minoxidil exposure can cause toxicosis in dogs and cats, leading to moderate or major illness, and even death in some cats.

research Minoxidil And Its Use In Hair Disorders: A Review

117 citations , August 2019 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

This review article provides an updated overview of the pharmacology, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and adverse events associated with topical minoxidil, a widely used treatment for androgenetic alopecia and other hair loss conditions, while noting that its exact mechanism is still not fully understood.

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5 citations , January 2018 in “Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association”

This case report documents the first successful management of accidental minoxidil toxicosis in a dog, resulting in full recovery after treatment with supportive care, including medications for blood pressure and potential toxicity mitigation.

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74 citations , May 2004 in “Journal of Clinical Hypertension”

Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension, but watch for side effects.

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11 citations , April 1993 in “Chest”

Man drank minoxidil, caused low blood pressure and fast heartbeat, treatment helped but led to heart damage.

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60 citations , January 1989 in “Toxicologic Pathology”

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.

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34 citations , January 1989 in “Toxicologic Pathology”

This study observed that minoxidil induced myocardial necroses and hemorrhages in beagle dogs and miniature swine, with greater severity seen in dogs.

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57 citations , January 1980 in “Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology”

Minoxidil treats high blood pressure and side effects can be managed.

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52 citations , March 1979 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology”

Minoxidil can cause heart muscle damage in dogs.