Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

Pet owners try very hard to keep their furry friends from getting sick, but diseases affect animals just as easily as they affect humans. Congestive heart failure, which mostly affects larger dogs between the ages of 4 and 10, presents itself quickly and without warning. Either the walls of the heart thicken and make pumping less efficient, or the sizes of the chambers increase and cause the heart muscles stretch out. There are a few different treatment options for canine congestive heart failure.

  1. Digitalis

    • Digitalis is found in medications including Digoxin, Cardoxin and Lanoxin. It is a positive inotropic agent, meaning it increases the concentration of calcium in the heart's muscles. With increased calcium, the heart can pump harder and the heart rate will slow down. A dog with kidney problems may be negatively affected by digitalis, since the drug is eliminated from the body through the kidneys.

    Diuretics

    • Diuretics remove excess fluids that build up in the lungs and abdomen because of faulty blood flow in dogs with congestive heart failure. Veterinarians mostly prescribe furosemide (Lasix) as the diuretic of choice. One to three milligrams per pound of body weight is administered two to three times a day, according to Ron Hines, DVM Ph.D. Side effects include increased drinking and urination. Also, a dog's potassium levels must be monitored while on furosemide, and a potassium supplement may be necessary. Spironolactone, found in medications such as Spiractin and Spirotone, may be used in conjunction with furosemide.

    ACE Inhibitors

    • Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work by dilating blood vessels in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (chambers increase in size and muscles are stretched thin). By getting rid of chemicals that tighten blood vessels, blood is able to flow more freely through the body and increases the efficiency of the heart. Enalapril, the most commonly used ACE inhibitor, is found in Enacard, Vasotec, Lotensin, Prinavil and Zestril. You should have your dog's kidneys tested soon after beginning the drug and every few months afterward, since the kidneys can be negatively affected. Benazepril (Lotensin) and captopril (Capoten) are other options for ACE inhibitors.

    Other Drugs

    • Mexiletine and procainamide are drugs that are used to treat heartbeat abnormalities, such as arrhythmias. These drugs should be used with caution, however, because side effects may include depression and loss of appetite.