Heart Disease
Cardiomyopathy
Helping heart disease with alternative therapies
By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

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In dogs, preliminary work shows that American cocker spaniels and golden retrievers with dilated cardiomyopathy may also benefit from supplementation with taurine. Since American cocker spaniels are predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy with concurrent taurine, and possibly carnitine deficiencies, you should consider supplementation with these two compounds if your cocker spaniel is diagnosed with this disease.

Decreased carnitine levels may also be related to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, especially in boxers, Doberman pinschers , and American cocker spaniels. Carnitine deficiency is difficult to diagnose and usually requires heart biopsy. Without adequate carnitine to transport fatty acids into heart muscle cells, reduced levels of energy are available to the heart. Carnitine is abundant in red meat (higher in beef than in chicken or turkey) and dairy products. Diets high in cereal grains and plants, which account for many lower quality commercial diets, may not support adequate carnitine levels in the heart. In pets, heart levels (myocardial levels) of carnitine have been found to be low in up to 40% of dogs suffering with dilated cardiomyopathy. As a result, practitioners often supplement carnitine as well as taurine for dogs with cardiomyopathy.

The benefits of hawthorn and Coenzyme Q-10

Many holistic vets prescribe hawthorn, a well known heart and vascular tonic herb, for pets with heart disease, including cardiomyopathy and early congestive heart failure. The flavonoid (antioxidant) content of hawthorn appears to decrease "leakiness" of the capillaries, improve cardiac blood flow by dilating coronary arteries, and improve the contractility of the heart. Due to its digitalis-like effects, hawthorn may also help to control mild heart arrhythmias. Finally, hawthorn may also act by inhibiting the enzyme, phosphodiesterase, as well as an ACE inhibitor, making it a possible substitute for drugs such as enalapril (Enacard™).

According to research, people and pets with heart disease also show reduced levels of Coenzyme Q-10 (ubiquinone). Coenzyme Q-10 (Co Q-10) is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant found in every cell in the body. It plays a fundamental role in the mitochondria, the parts of the cell that produce energy from food. Co Q-10 appears to control the flow of oxygen within the cells as well as functioning as an antioxidant to reduce damage to cells by harmful free radicals. It assists during times of stress on the heart muscle, by helping the heart use energy more efficiently.

In experiments in dogs, Co Q-10 protected the heart by acting as an antioxidant against damage caused by oxidizing compounds. As well, it helped stabilize body weight, improve clinical status, and slow the disease’s progression of clinical signs.

Last but not least, you may wish to consider omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil as a further supplement. These essential fatty acids, best derived from a cold water fish source, act to reduce inflammation in heart disease. There is some evidence that they may also function as ACE inhibitors, helping to improve blood flow in the body.

Supplementing is safe and easy

As you can see, there are several safe supplements you and your veterinarian can use to successfully treat cardiomyopathy in your dog or cat. While they can work in combination with conventional medications, they can also be used by themselves in animals with mild disease. Unlike conventional cardiac medications, which can have serious side effects and require careful monitoring of the patient, these complementary therapies are safe and will not cause secondary problems. In my practice, I have found them very helpful for my cardiac patients, especially those who develop side effects as a result of conventional medications.