Survival and echocardiographic evaluation of dogs with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy treated with carvedilol

Abstract

Sixty dogs with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were randomly treated with traditional therapydigitalis, diuretics, angiotensin-converting inhibitors -(group A) or treated with these drugs plus carvedilol (group B). Echocardiographic variables were measured before and after 3, 13, 26, and 52 weeks of treatment or until death. Comparisons between groups and time were performed. No significant differences between groups were found in the most of the echocardiographic variables. The left ventricular end-systolic diameter indexed to body surface area (LVESDi) increased significantly in the group A dogs compared to the group B animals. The survival of groups A and B dogs were not different (P-value=0.1137). In conclusion, the stability of the LVESDi observed in the group treated with carvedilol may represent the beneficial effect over the ventricular remodeling.Keywords: dog, cardiomyopathy, carvedilol, heart failure, echocardiography RESUMO Sessenta cães com cardiomiopatia dilatada idiopática receberam, aleatoriamente, tratamento convencional -digitálicos, diuréticos, inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina -(grupo A) ou esses fármacos mais carvedilol (grupo B). As variáveis ecocardiográficas foram avaliadas antes e depois

Evaluation of add on effect of carvedilol on standard protocol of digoxin, frusemide and benazepril in the management of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs

“…The carvedilol has been reported to be effective in improvement of FS and LV function in humans (Wali et al 2011). In animals, most of the echocardiographic variables have not shown significant difference, however, the improvement in FS and EPSS, reduction in LDDd and LVds and better survival rate is reported in carvedilol treated dogs with DCM (Soares et al 2010). On the other hand Oyama et al (2007b) did not find any significant change in LVDd, LVDs and EF in dogs treated with carvedilol.…”

“…The reninangiotensin aldosterone system activation for longer period of time could results in necrosis and apoptosis of myocardium, down-regulation of -receptor-mediated signalling and reduced efficiency, myocardial hypertrophy, and decreased intrinsic myocyte contractility (Adams et al, 2004). Owing to critical role played by overstimulation of sympathetic nervous system in patho-physiology of canine DCM, recently -blockers have been combined with classical therapy (Soares et al, 2010). Carvedilol, a non selective adrenoreceptor blocking agent with unique ancillary 1adrenoreceptor blocking presently licensed for treatment of essential hypertension and congestive heart failure resulted in improved left ventricular function and survival in cases of heart failure secondary to systolic dysfunction in humans (Lechat et al, 1998) .…”

Myocardial velocities obtained by pulsed tissue Doppler in English Cocker Spaniels with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure

“…Diagnosis is easily obtained by conventional echocardiography in advanced disease and systolic dysfunction is usually the main feature of this condition (Dukes-McEwen et al 2003). Recent studies about therapy in dogs with DCM focused on evaluation of systolic function as an indicator of positive outcome induced by investigated protocol (Oyama et al 2007, Soares et al 2010.…”