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Doxorubicin for Dog

Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg

Doxorubicin is used in dog for Lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma. Routes documented in dog: IV. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Doxorubicin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Adriamycin

Dose ranges

RouteDoseFrequencyDurationIndicationEvidenceSource
IV30 mg/m2q21d4-6 cycles (max lifetime 240 mg/m2)Lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcomaStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.

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Mechanism of action

Intercalates DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II, and generates free radicals. Multiple mechanisms of cytotoxicity against rapidly dividing cells.

Side effects & warnings

VESICANT — extravasation causes severe tissue necrosis (apply cold, dexrazoxane if available). Cumulative cardiotoxicity (max lifetime dose ~240mg/m2 in dogs). Myelosuppression. Anaphylaxis risk in dogs (premedicate with antihistamine). Cats: nephrotoxic.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Other Oncology drugs with dog dosing

Doxorubicin dosing in other species

Why a species-specific page? Doxorubicin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.