Medication for a Canine Enlarged Heart

Heart disease is common in dogs, especially larger breeds. An enlarged heart causes a canine's heart to have difficulty pumping blood and transporting calcium in the body, making the heart weak and flabby. An enlarged heart, also referred to as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a serious condition that can be influenced by a poor diet, a lack of exercise and obesity. It is also related to parvovirus, taurine deficiencies and adriamycin. DCM affects middle-aged male dogs more than females and tends to occur most often in larger dog breeds.

  1. Prevention

    • Veterinarians suggest that canine heart disease can be prevented by exercise and a diet rich in fresh meats and low in processed sugars. Diet should also include natural proteins such as L-Carnitine and amino acids such as taurine to transport fuel to cells and regulate heartbeat.

    Medication Combinations

    • Medications for the treatment of canine enlarged heart can be used in combination. Digoxin, which helps with heart contractions, ACE inhibitors, which reduce blood pressure, and diuretics, which remove water and filter the kidneys, all aide in the treatment of a canine enlarged heart condition.

    Furosemide

    • Furosemide is a diuretic given to a canine to prevent fluid from building up in the heart by increasing urination. This medicine should be taken as directed with plenty of water. Because furosemide can interact with other medications, advise the veterinarian of any other medications your dog is taking.

    Other Medications

    • Fortekor or Vetmedin are other medications, similar to Digoxin, that can aide the dog's heart in pumping blood more efficiently, keeping the dog's heart functioning regularly. Fortekor is classified as an ACE inhibitor. It is available in tablet form and is taken orally to treat heart failure in dogs by reducing blood pressure and improving symptoms of coughing. Vetmedin, or pimobendan, is another ACE inhibitor that increases both the quality and length of life after diagnosis.

    Medications and Side Effects

    • Medications to treat DCM in canines are costly and typically are needed on a regular basis once they have been prescribed by your vet. Medications may have to be adjusted or added as the condition progresses. Your dog's condition will continue to worsen until the dog's heart eventually gives out. Prescription medications may also produce adverse side effects. If you notice any side effects or change in your dog's behavior, contact your veterinarian immediately.