May 22, 2013


CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY CONCEPTS
for the dog and cat

Michael R. O'Grady, DVM, MSc, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
M. Lynne O'Sullivan, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)

 
  Vasodilators
Amlodipine   Dog 2.5 mg/dog or 0.1 mg/kg SID (PO)   Hypotension  
Cat 0.625 mg/cat SID (PO) to max of 1.25 mg /cat SID (PO)  
Benazepril   Dog 0.5 mg/kg SID - BID (PO)   As for Captopril  
Cat 0.5 mg/kg SID (PO)  
Captopril   Dog 0.5-2.0 mg/kg TID (PO), do not exceed 2.0 mg/kg   Hypotension, GI, hyperkalemia  
Cat 3-6.25 mg BID-TID (PO)  
Enalapri   Dog 0.5 mg/kg SID-BID (PO   As for Captopril  
Cat 0.25-0.5 mg/kg QOD (PO)  
Hydralazine   Dog 0.5-3 mg/kg BID (PO). IV dosages not determined   Hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, sodium retention, GI signs. Rebound increases in renin-angiotensin- aldosterone can be expected.  
Cat 2.5 mg/kg BID (PO)  
Isorbide dinitrate   Dog 0.22-1.1 mg/kg BID-TID (PO)   Hypotension, especially if combined with diuretics  
Cat undetermined  
Lisinopril   Dog 0.5 mg/kg SID-BID (PO)   As for Captopril  
Cat unknown  
Morphine   Dog 0.5-1.0 mg/kg (SQ, IM) prn
0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV q2-3 min to effect  
Respiratory depression, GI, sedation  
Cat 0.1 mg/kg (SQ, IM)  
Na Nitroprusside   Dog 1-5 ug/kg/min (CRI)   Profound hypotension, cyanide and thiocyanate toxicity  
Cat 1-2 ug/kg/min (CRI)  
Nitroglycerine Ointment 2%   Dog 1/4 in./5kg TID-QID (topically)   Hypotension, especially if combined with diuretics; rash; wear gloves to apply  
Cat 1/8-1/4 in. TID (topically)  
Prazosin   Dog < 15 kg: up to 1 mg TID (PO).
> 15 kg: up to 2 mg TID (PO)  
Hypotension, syncope, urinary incontinence  
Cat up to 1 mg TID (PO)  
Ramipril   Dog 0.250 mg/kg SID (PO)   As for Captopril  
Cat 0.125 mg/kg SID (PO)  
Sildenafil   Dog 0.5 - 2.0 mg/kg BID PO    
Cat Unknown