Avaliação ecocardiográfica em cães expostos a pesticidas em áreas de cultivo de soja

Abstract

Due to the intensification of agribusiness, the mass use of agricultural pesticides has been increasingly employed. This work aims to provide information on possible cardiotoxic alterations in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) living near crop fields. However, all possible changes and effects on the animal organism are still unknown. Given its great importance, this research sought to correlate echocardiographic alterations in dogs that are actively close to this type of environment and whether exposure may in some way alter the structure and physiology of the heart in a short period of time. This case study was conducted on rural properties in Bela Vista de Goiás, with 11 dogs exposed to agricultural crops and pesticide use. The animals underwent echocardiographic examinations without sedation to evaluate cardiac function. Data collection was carried out with the support of PUC Goiás, prioritizing animal welfare. The results were analyzed according to veterinary echocardiography criteria and compared to the species’ reference values. In general, the results did not show significant changes in the evaluated parameters; however, the Vmax AO and Vmax P parameters showed values below the reference. This alteration may be due to several factors, ranging from individual physiological variations to the environment in which the research took place. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that the evaluated dogs, even though potentially exposed, did not present detectable cardiac alterations. Thus, this research contributed to advancing knowledge about the effects of pesticides on the cardiovascular system of animals, highlighting the need for further, broader, and more controlled studies to more accurately elucidate the risks associated with chronic exposure to these substances.