Page 432 - Feline Cardiology

Generic Name Indications/Drug Dosage and Comments Available sizes
(Brand Name) Type Possible Routes
of Admin.

Omega-3 fatty Antioxidant Optimal Antioxidant effects of documented benefit in
acid supplement nutritional dosage human coronary artery disease, where the
supplement unknown pathophysiologic mechanism contains an
important inflammatory component; no such
component demonstrated in feline heart
disease, and thus, no indication for this
product in feline cardiology to date. High
doses (40 mg/kg EPA, 25 mg/kg DHA) may
lessen cardiac cachexia in dogs with heart
failure; effect in cats is unknown. May lessen
production of catabolic inflammatory
cytokines TNF and IL-1, which may be a
component of cardiac cachexia.

Phenylephrine Vasopressor; 1–3 mcg/kg/ Indicated for acute hypotension or anesthesia- 10 mg/ml
postsynaptic min related hypotension unresponsive to other Inj
alpha-adrenergic IV CRI, initial anesthetic modifications in the HM
agonist adjusted PRN euvolemic cat, especially when underlying
cause is diastolic heart disease (e.g., HCM,
RCM/UCM) where vasoconstriction is generally
better tolerated than in systolic heart disease
(e.g., DCM). Begin infusion at low end of
dosage range and increase to desired effect
(usually low-normal arterial blood pressure)
while monitoring blood pressure continuously.

Pimobendan Inodilator 0.625–1.25 mg Anecdotal reports of use in congestive heart 1.25,
(Vetmedin [V]) (positive inotrope PO/cat failure caused by either dilated 2.5,
and arterial q 12h cardiomyopathy or restrictive/unclassified 5 mg
dilator) cardiomyopathy in cats; phosphodiesterase III Ch (USA)
inhibitor causes vasodilation of arteries and Cap
veins, which reduces afterload and preload. (Canada,
Calcium sensitizing agent increases affinity of Europe,
troponin C to calcium, which increases con- Australasia)
tractility, without the expense of increased VM
myocardial O2 consumption (unlike
dobutamine). Theoretical concern over
whether it may potentiate ventricular
arrhythmias. No prospective studies have
been done in cats at this time, so its use is
based on extrapolations from canine studies
or anecdotal clinical experience.
Contraindicated in hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy. No support for use in any
compensated (“asymptomatic”) heart disease.
Contraindicated when nature of cardiac lesion
is unknown.

Pitressin—see
Vasopressin
Plavix—see Drug Formulary
Clopidogrel
Continued

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