Question about congestive heart failure

My neutered male dog of older indeterminate age has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure which apparently grew out of an earlier heart murmur. He’s on Vetmedin, potassium and several diuretics. We’ve heard favorable things about Hawthorne berries as a possible help for him but his cardiologist doesn’t know what dose or whether it would interact with current medications. He’s about 22 lbs. Are you familiar with this product and what amount would be considered a proper dose? Would there be an interaction with the Vetmedin?

 

Answer from Dr. Gaylord Brown:
I have no personal experience with Hawthorn berries in treating congestive heart failure in dogs. I would advise caution. Research in people has shown conflicting data. It was shown to improve symptoms of heart failure in some people, but in others it was shown to increase the risk of death or being hospitalized due to heart failure. Though pimobendan (Vetmedin) is not on the list of known drugs to interact with Hawthorn berries, other heart drugs do interact poorly. I would be unlikely to recommend Hawthorn berries as part of the treatment of your dog’s congestive heart failure. if your pet is not responding well with the drugs he is on get a second opinion as to how to proceed.

 

 

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