Is there a treatment for heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy?
If the dog has a sudden onset of heart failure, rapid administration of the proper drugs is essential to survival. The following drugs may be used at various stages of treatment. Initial stabilisation usually depends on the first two. 1 . Diuretics. These drugs stimulate the kidneys to remove excess fluid from the body. Frusemide is most commonly used, although others will be selected in certain circumstances. 2. Digitalis glycosides. These drugs improve heart function in several ways. They regulates excess hormones that have been released, slow the heart rate, and strengthen each contraction of the heart. 3. Enzyme blockers. This is a relatively new class of drugs which can directly block the compensation system that has gone out of control. 4. Vasodilators. These drugs dilate the arteries and/or the veins of the body so that the heart doesn’t have to generate as much pressure to eject blood. They are effective long-term to stabilise the patient. 5. Bronchodilators which help breathin
