In cats, heart disease involving congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized predominantly by diastolic dysfunction. Pimobendan is a drug with predominantly inodilator properties that has been used in dogs with CHF to prolong survival time and reduce signs of illness.
This study’s objective was to determine the effect of oral administration of pimobendan on clinical and echocardiographic variables and survival time in cats with heart failure typified by ventricular systolic dysfunction. Twenty-seven client-owned cats with different types of heart disease were treated with pimobendan. All of the cats had ventricular systolic dysfunction. The median survival time was 167 days. The authors concluded that pimobendan appears to be well tolerated in cats with heart failure characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, cats with systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve may develop systemic hypotension when treated with pimobendan. Additional studies to determine dosages for pimobendan and its effects are needed. [VT]
See also: MacGregor JM, Rush JE, Laste NJ, et al. Use of pimobendan in 170 cats (2006–2010). J Vet Cardiol. 2011; 13: 251-60.
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