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Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Feline Cardiomyopathies (view source)
Revision as of 22:06, 2 December 2012
, 22:06, 2 December 2012→Treatment
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment should aim to control clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) and aim to prevent arterial thromboembolism (ATE). In addition to this, consideration should be given to '''positive inotropic therapy'''. Treatment with positive inotropes, such as Pimobendan is indicated for severe systolic dysfunction and heart failure.
Treatment should aim to control clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) and aim to prevent arterial thromboembolism (ATE). In addition to this, consideration should be given to '''positive inotropic therapy'''. Treatment with positive inotropes, such as Pimobendan is indicated for severe systolic dysfunction and heart failure.
===Taurine Deficiency===
Treatment with taurine improves and often normalises systolic function. It may require several weeks to months of supplementation before improvement occurs. Initial treatment with positive inotropes as well as treatment for congestive heart failure is necessary until this improvement occurs. Clinical signs usually improve within 2 weeks, and echocardiographic evidence of improvement can be expected with 3-6 weeks of therapy. Improvements in fractional shortening may continue for up to a year after taurine supplementation.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
Prognosis for cats with idiopathic DCM is grave. One case series of 11 cats with DCM reported a median survival time of just 11 days. Prognosis for DCM associated with taurine deficiency is generally good with appropriate therapy.
Prognosis for cats with idiopathic DCM is grave. One case series of 11 cats with DCM reported a median survival time of just 11 days. Prognosis for DCM associated with taurine deficiency is generally good with appropriate therapy.