title: Effect of pimobendan on the clinical outcome and survival of cats with non-taurine responsive dilated cardiomyopathy.
abstract: This retrospective study was designed to assess the effect of pimobendan on the median survival time (MST) of cats with non-taurine responsive dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Thirty-two client-owned cats with a left ventricular internal dimension at end systole (LVIDs) >14 mm, a fractional shortening (FS) <28% and a lack of response to taurine therapy were included over a 9-year period (2001-2010). These cats were divided into pimobendan (n=16) and non-pimobendan (n=16) treatment groups. All cats received standard treatment with frusemide, taurine and benazepril or enalapril. Nine cats in the non-pimobendan group also received digoxin. The MST of the pimobendan group (49 days; range 1 to >502 days) was four times that of the non-pimobendan group (12 days; 1 to 244 days). The difference in survival between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Hypothermia and FS <20% were associated with a poor prognosis. No adverse effects to pimobendan were noted.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre, 70 Blackburn Road, Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia. lhambrook@melbvet.com.au
authors.forename: Lydia E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Hambrook
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013654:Taurine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D011724:Pyridazines; D013654:Taurine; C041648:pimobendan