Survival in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure treated with digoxin, furosemide and propranolol: A retrospective study of 62 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate survival and potential adverse effects in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) attributable to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) treated with propranolol, furosemide and digoxin.
BACKGROUND: The use of beta-blocking agents has been shown to improve survival in human patients with CHF, including patients with DCM. ANIMALS,
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two dogs with DCM and CHF NYHA class IV were included in the study. All dogs were initially treated with digoxin (mean dose 0.009mg/kg per day) and furosemide (mean dose 3.6mg/kg per day). Propranolol (mean dose 2.4mg/kg per day) was added after signs of CHF had been resolved, approximately one week after initial presentation. Survival analysis was based on the Kaplan-Meier method.
RESULTS: Pulmonary edema was found at initial presentation in 60 dogs, and pleural effusion in 2 dogs. Thirty-one dogs (50%) presented with atrial fibrillation, and ventricular premature complexes were found in 9 dogs. Survival time ranged from 8 to 1335 days (median, 126 days). Nine dogs were censored in the analysis, 8 because euthanasia was performed for reasons unrelated to cardiac disease, and 1 dog was lost on follow-up. Fifty-two dogs were euthanized, 9 dogs died suddenly. Survival rate at 1 year was 34%, and 20% at 2 years.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the median survival time in dogs treated with digoxin, furosemide and propranolol was 126 days, with a survival rate at 1 year of 34%. This treatment regiment was well tolerated.