Effective Treatment Methods for Canine Dilated Cardiomy
Dog Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treatment Methods:
Our treatment approach aims to improve congestive heart failure, increase cardiac output, and regulate irregular heartbeats. In cases of acute heart failure in dogs, it is crucial to provide immediate oxygen and warmth. For dogs with pulmonary edema, intravenous or subcutaneous injections are necessary. Thoracic fluid can be drained internally. In severe heart failure and cardiogenic shock, intravenous infusions of dopamine or dobutamine can be used to enhance myocardial contractility. For paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, a slow injection of 2mg/kg of lidocaine is administered to correct the heartbeat. If lidocaine is ineffective, 2mg/kg of slowpush procaine can be used instead to correct irregular heartbeat.
Longterm use of digoxin or diltiazem can reduce the ventricular response rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our goal is to maintain a heart rate between 100 to 140 beats per minute. For the maintenance treatment of chronic heart failure, furosemide is used to control pulmonary edema and pleural or peritoneal effusions. Vasodilators such as benazepril (0.5mg/kg, PO every 24 hours), enalapril (0.25 to 0.5mg/kg, PO every 12 hours), or lisinopril (0.5mg/kg, PO every 24 hours) can inhibit the regulation of neurohumoral factors. Pimobendan, a calcium sensitizer, can enhance myocardial contractility and also has vasodilatory effects. When combined with furosemide and ACE inhibitors, it can increase the cardiac output in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, thereby extending their survival time.
Through the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, we have gradually confirmed the benefits of supplementing carnitine and taurine, which can extend the survival time of affected dogs. In the United States, the use of carnitine and taurine has shown good results in treating dilated cardiomyopathy in Cocker Spaniels, with improvements in echocardiographic findings within 2 to 3 months of treatment.
Pet doctors' reminder: For more information about pet cardiomyopathy, click to learn about Cat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
