Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Boxers

Cardiomyopathy is a cardiac disorder that causes an irregular heart beat known as arrhythmia. Sometimes there is no ill effect from such a disorder, but in other cases it can lead to cardiac arrest. This disorder runs in families of boxers. If veterinarians determine that a boxer's diagnosis is serious, they can offer several different drug treatments in order to combat these irregular heartbeats. Since a cocktail of drugs seems to work better, veterinarians often prescribe more than one simultaneously.

  1. Digitalis

    • Digitalis is one of the oldest drugs used to treat cardiomyopathy. It concentrates calcium in the cells of the heart muscle, which increases the force of heart beats and slows the heart down. A version of this drug, called Digoxin, is very powerful and its success depends on the dog passing the drug out of his system through the kidneys. Dogs with kidney problems must use some other form of Digitalis.

    Sotalol and Other Anti-Arrhythmics

    • Sotalol is another common drug prescribed for this condition. It is a beta-blocker and an anti-arrhythmic drug. It has side effects such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea in dogs. Other anti-arrhythmics drugs used in dogs are mexiletine and amiodarone.

    Diuretics

    • Diuretics help to remove fluids that accumulate in boxers' hearts and lungs due to the low flow of their circulatory system. Common versions of this drug include furosemide and spironolactone. Boxers taking one of these diuretics will tend to drink and urinate more often than other dogs. This may lower their potassium levels so amounts of this element in their bloodstream should be monitored.

    ACE Inhibitors

    • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors dilate blood vessels in a boxer's circulatory system so that blood may flow more smoothly and the heart function more efficiently. This drug can cause kidney problems and its side effects, while they mimic those of anti-arrhythmics, also include an increase in the toxicity of their waste because of decreased flow of blood through the kidneys.

    Homeopathy

    • If dog owners prefer to avoid such a powerful cocktail of drugs, there are natural remedies and homeopathic options, such as tonics that claim to improve circulation and ease the stress on a dog's already damaged heart.

    L-Carnitine

    • According to Wendy Wallner, a doctor of veterinary medicine, there is a link between sudden death in boxers and low levels of the amino acid L-Carnatine. She recommends L-Carnatine supplements in all boxers diets.