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Efficacy of digoxin for treatment of cats with dilated cardiomyopathy
C E Atkins1, P S Snyder, B W Keene
1Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Insights
Digoxin improved cardiac function in cats with dilated cardiomyopathy, showing enhanced shortening fraction and contractility. This study suggests digoxin
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- The efficacy of digoxin in treating feline myocardial failure, including dilated cardiomyopathy, remains uncertain.
- Evaluating digoxin's chronotropic and inotropic effects is crucial for feline cardiac care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of digoxin on cardiac performance in cats suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy.
- To determine the chronotropic and inotropic effects of digoxin in feline heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Noninvasive echocardiography and electrocardiography were used to measure cardiac indices in 6 cats.
- Cats received furosemide, digoxin, aspirin, and a low-salt diet, with some receiving fluids or taurine.
- Serum digoxin concentrations were monitored to ensure therapeutic or toxic levels were achieved.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in left ventricular shortening fraction, pre-ejection period (PEP), PEP to LVET ratio, and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (P < 0.05).
- Cardiac function improved in 4 out of 6 cats treated with digoxin.
- Positive inotropic effects were noted in cats receiving taurine supplementation, preceding detectable taurine-induced functional improvements.
Conclusions:
- Digoxin demonstrated a positive inotropic effect and improved key cardiac function indices in cats with dilated cardiomyopathy.
- The findings support the potential role of digoxin in managing feline heart failure.
- Concurrent taurine supplementation may enhance digoxin's therapeutic benefits in certain feline cardiac conditions.
Abstract:
The role of digoxin in treatment of cats with dilated cardiomyopathy and other forms of myocardial failure is unclear. We evaluated the chronotropic and inotropic effects of digoxin by comparing baseline, noninvasive indices of cardiac performance with those obtained after 9 +/- 1.3 (mean +/- SEM) days of digoxin treatment in 6 cats with heart failure attributable to dilated cardiomyopathy. Two-dimensionally directed, M-mode echocardiography and electrocardiography were used to determine left ventricular shortening fraction, preejection period (PEP), ejection time (LVET), PEP to LVET ratio, velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, electromechanical systole, heart rate, and PR interval. Treatment consisted of administration of furosemide (mean dosage, 2.4 mg/kg of body weight/day), digoxin in tablet form (approximately 0.01 mg/kg, q 48 h), aspirin (80 mg, q 48 h), and a commercial low-salt diet. In addition, 2 cats were administered short-term, low-dose fluids IV, and 2 were given taurine supplementation at rates of 500 and 1,000 mg/day. Other off-loading or inotropic agents were not administered. Therapeutic or toxic serum digoxin concentration was achieved in all cats. Significant (P less than 0.05) improvement was detected in mean values for shortening fraction, PEP, PEP to LVET ratio, and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening. Mean electromechanical systole and LVET did not change significantly. Improvement, as assessed by indices of cardiac function, was documented in 4 of the 6 cats treated with digoxin, including the 2 cats given taurine supplementation. In the cats given taurine, positive inotropic effect was observed prior to the time when taurine-induced improvement in ventricular function is detectable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)