Original Contribution EFFICACY AND TOXICITY OF DOXORUBICIN AND CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE CHEMOTHERAPY IN DOGS WITH SPONTANEOUS MAMMARY TUMOURS

The aim of the present study was to follow up the effect and toxicity of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy combined with operative treatment of malignant mammary tumours in dogs. The study was performed on 6 bitches, aged 9-14 years, from various breeds. These dogs presented mammary adenocarcinoma confirmed by histopathological investigation. The animals underwent partial mammectomy. Ten days after the intervention, chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide was scheduled. Blood samples were obtained prior to and following the operation, and after each course of chemotherapy to monitor the changes in some principal haematological and biochemical parameters. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by thoracic radiography for the absence of metastases or the regression of already existing ones. The studies showed that the operative intervention combined with sequential regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy suppressed effectively the development of new neoplasm and metastases, but was accompanied by general adverse reactions as lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, hair loss, fever, hypochromic anaemia and strong immunosuppresion.