The most common causes of feline cardiomyopathy are taurine deficiency and hyperthyroidism, but it may also occur without these problems. Cardiomyopathy may occur as either the hypertrophic restrictive form or the dilated form. Cardiomyopathy can cause signs of heart failure, but another problem is embolism in various parts of the body. Lung embolism is often rapidly fatal. A saddle thrombus can cause sudden posterior paralysis, with no pulse detectable in the hind legs. Smaller thrombi may cause temporary problems like lameness which comes and goes. If the cause is hyperthyroidism, and if the hyperthyroidism is diagnosed in time and treated successfully, the heart will often return to normal. Otherwise, natural treatment should be two-fold: to help heart disease and to avoid thrombi.

 

 

 

The following nutraceuticals or natural/herbal formulas can also provide effective treatment for your felines living with cardiomyopathy.

 

 

 

 

Integrative Medicine

 

» An herb known as Hawthorn contains cardio-tonic and anti-oxidant properties that support artery health and strength

» Homeopathic Arnica montana, Kali phos and Calc fluor all help support healthy blood pressure and are also excellent for the heart and nervous system.

» Vitamin E in small doses can help decrease the tendency to form blood clots.

» Dandelion is a mild diuretic that may help at the beginning of heart disease.

 

Feline Cardiomyopathy (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

 

Species affected: 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. The hypertrophic form is 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.

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Bio-Cardio12	Cats: ½ capsule sid	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)	Tonifies circulation, relaxes arteries, decreases heart rate, increases blood flow to heart, strengthens heart muscle.
CoQ30VET12	Cats: 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.
CoQ-10 ST26	Cats: 10-30 mg bid	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.
CoQsol 30mg8	1 capsule per 30 lb	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.
Coleus Forskohlii12	Cats: 5-10 mg bid	Increases cyclic AMP.
L-CarnitineVET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid	Essential nutrient for cats with cardiomyopathy.
Super EPAVET12	Cats: 1 gelcap sid	Fish oil has been shown to decrease cytokines, cachexia.
TaurineVET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid	Essential nutrient for cats; deficiency may cause cardiomyopathy in cats since they do not make their own taurine.

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference