Nutritional therapy in the treatment of heart disease in dogs - Heart Disease in Dogs

Alternative Medicine Review,  Sept, 2001  by Robert S. Dove

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There is a lack of clinical trials pertaining to the direct relationship between the B vitamins and their role in canine heart disease. This is an area requiring further studies in order to elucidate the potential benefit folate, B6, and B12 may have for dogs diagnosed with heart disease.

Conclusion

Based on the results of current clinical trials and therapeutic interventions, dietary supplementation with COQ 10, vitamin E, L-carnitine, taurine, and fish oil is indicated for the treatment of many types of heart disease in dogs. However, examination and diagnosis on an individual case basis is necessary to make recommendations for proper nutrient dosages and treatment frequency for a specific animal. Supplementation amounts may vary with a dog's breed, age, and disease type and severity.

The area of veterinary heart disease therapeutics warrants additional research before concrete conclusions can be drawn regarding the mechanism and usefulness of certain micronutrients. Nonetheless, nutritional therapy should be considered to be a viable and desirable option for improving the quality of life and reducing heart failure mortality in dogs.

Table 1. Nutrients for Cardiovascular Disease in Dogs

NUTRIENT              DOSE                MECHANISM OF ACTION

COQ10                 100-400 mg daily    Electron carrier in cellular
                                          respiration and oxidative
                                          phosphorylation; antioxidant

L-carnitine           500-2000 mg daily   Transports long-chain fatty
                                          acids to beta-oxidation sites
                                          in the mitochondria

Taurine               500-1500 mg daily   Regulates natriuresis and
                                          diuresis; has a positive
                                          inotropic effect on myocytes;
                                          decreases lipid peroxidation

Omega-3 fatty acids   500-2000 mg daily   Lower triglycerides; have
                                          anti-inflammatory,
                                          hypotensive, antiarrhythmic,
                                          antivasopressor, and anti-
                                          intimal thickening effects

Vitamin E             200-500 IU daily    Prevents LDL oxidation and
                                          free-radical mediated damage
                                          to the myocardium

References

(1.) Freeman LM. Interventional nutrition for cardiac disease. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 1998;13:232-237.

(2.) AVMA. Safeguard your pet against heart disease. American Veterinary Medical Association 1997; Available at: http://www.avma.org/care4pets/ b2bi.htm.

(3.) Alroy J, Rush JE, Freeman L, et al. Inherited infantile dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: genetic, clinical, biochemical, and morphological findings. Am J Med Genet 2000;95:57-66.

(4.) Kittleson MD, Keene B, Pion PD, Loyer CG. Results of the multicenter spaniel trial (MUST): taurine- and carnitine-responsive dilated cardiomyopathy in American cocker spaniels with decreased plasma taurine concentrations. J Vet Intern Med 1997;11:204-211.