CARDIOVASCULAR

CARDIOMYOPATHY

Species affected: Dogs, Cats
Background: Exists as both a primary or secondary disorder.
Symptoms: Include exercise intolerance, and congestive heart failure. In some cases, symptoms are not evident until cardiovascular stress occurs.
Diagnostics: Confirmed by cardiac workup, radiology, echocardiography, and EKG.
Special Notes: Occurs in different forms in different species, all resulting in poor contractile function and cardiac chamber enlargement. In dogs, the idiopathic dilated form of cardiomyopathy is the most common and occurs more frequently in the larger breeds. It can be particularly severe in Dobermans and Boxers. The hypertrophic form is rare in dogs, but common in cats. Secondary forms of cardiomyopathy can stem from nutritional deficiencies, infections, drug reactions, metabolic problems and tumors.
Principles for Supplementation: Depending on its etiology, secondary cardiomyopathy may require a variety of treatments. Taurine and carnitine deficiencies have been documented in some cases. Cats consuming vegetarian diets are usually deficient in these nutrients.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS - CARDIOMYOPATHY

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Bio-Cardio12	Cats: ½ capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb bid	Improves myocardial function; hawthorn may or may not be appropriate for cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Cardio-Support27	Cats: ½-1 scoop, sid (mixed w/ food) Dogs: 1-3 scoops sid (mixed w/food)	Tonifies circulation, relaxes arteries, decreases heart rate, increases blood flow to heart, strengthens heart muscle.
CoQ30VET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs < 25 lb: 1 capsule sid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands, and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E.
CoQ100VET12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	See above
CoQ-10 ST26	Cats and small dogs: 10-30 mg bid Medium dogs: 30-60 mg bid Large dogs: 60-90 mg bid	See above
CoQsol 30mg8	1 capsule per 30 lb	See above
Coleus Forskohlii12	Cats: 5-10 mg bid Dogs: 10-15 mg bid	Increases cyclic AMP.
L-CarnitineVET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: 2-6 capsules sid	Essential nutrient for dogs with cardiomyopathy.
Super EPAVET12	Cats: 1 gelcap sid Dogs: 2 gelcaps/25 lb sid	Fish oil has been shown to decrease cytokines, cachexia, and improve survival in CHF dogs.
TaurineVET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: ½ capsule/25 lb sid	Essential nutrient for cats and dogs; deficiency may cause cardiomyopathy in cats since they do not make their own taurine.