Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs is a growing category of pet care as the average age of pets increases. Better technologies and increased understanding of cardiac failure provides more opportunities for earlier diagnosis and preemptive care. Yet, the treatment options are varied by condition, by individual dog and by veterinarian experience. New options for treatment are “on the horizon” as well as expanding diagnostic options.
Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 2015 cover, cont. on page 26.
While current treatments for congestive heart failure in dogs vary based on a practitioner’s personal experiences, there are some strong favorites in the field, cardiology specialists say. Most veterinary cardiologists us furosemide: an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor like enalapril, benazepril or Lisinopril; and pimobendan for management of the most common forms of CHF, says John Rush, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVECC, Dipl. ACVIM. Dr Rush is a professor at the Cumings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Continuing education and consultations are recommended by Joshua Stern, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVIM (cardiology), assistant professor and chief of service in cardiology at UC Davis as treatments vary broadly by disorder. He recommends that family veterinarians find and stay in contact with a local cardiologist and to seek consult on challenging cardiac cases.
INSIGHTS: For reps and clinic staff members this article is a good read to better understand the challenges of CHF, drugs and various protocols used routinely. For general practitioners this article may help refresh some of your knowledge and determine if adjustments to your current CHF approaches are indicated.