Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment regimens for dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of treatment protocols for dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs at an early stage of its development (without pronounced signs of congestive heart failure) using Pimobendan and the sulfur–containing amino acid taurine. The study involved 17 East European Shepherd dogs aged five to eight years, without regard to gender, with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, which were randomly divided into two groups: group No. 1 "Pimobendan" (n1=9), group No. 2 "Pimobendan + Taurine" (n2=8). Pimobendan was administered at a dosage of 0.25 mg / kg body weight twice a day, taurine at a dose of 1000 mg / head twice a day. The effectiveness of the prescribed therapy was evaluated using an echocardiographic examination. The diagnosis took into account such indicators as the size of the left atrium, the diameter of the aorta, the ratio of the size of the left atrium to the aorta along the short axis, the final diastolic and systolic dimensions of the left ventricle, the final diastolic and systolic volumes of the left ventricle, the Teicholz shortening fraction and the Simpson ejection fraction of the left ventricle. It has been established that both treatment regimens for dilated cardiomyopathy are effective at the initial stage of its development. At the same time, the combined administration of Pimobendan, which belongs to the group of positive inotropes, with taurine is more effective, which primarily manifests itself in an increase in the systolic function of the myocardium and the left ventricular ejection fraction.