Abstract
In this study, five cats with systolic heart failure were administered pimobendan, and the effectiveness of the drug was investigated by observing the changes in heart function and clinical symptoms. Two weeks after the drug was given to each dog orally at the dosage of 0.18-0.38 mg/kg twice a day, its effectiveness was evaluated, and compared to the condition of the cats before administration. The left ventricle-fractional shortening, stroke volume, cardiac output, and systolic blood pressure were significantly increased, and the ratio of the left atrium to the aortic root, and the left ventricular diameter at the end of systole were significantly decreased. Pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and ascites, which had been present before the medication, were resolved, and the condition of the cats was clearly improved according to the New York Heart Association Classification. The mean survival time was prolonged from 52 days to 406 (with median of 203 days). From these results, pimobenndan was judged to have a positive effect on systolic function, reduction of preload, and improvement of quality of life of cats with systolic heart failure.
