|
(Vitamin B Therapy--continued from page 5)
cause and effect; but also that B vitamin supplementation may be beneficial in preventing thromboembolic disease. Even in human literature a dosage has not been coordinated for prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia. Since B vitamins are water soluble, we feel that ¼ of an adult human B vitamin complex once daily may be beneficial and not harmful. I tell owners to crush the complex into the cat's food and if they have multiple cats, its okay for the other cats to be supplemented as well.
Subsequently supplementation of B vitamins has been added to CVCA's protocol for prevention of thromboembolism along with baby aspirin (81 mg ) at ½-1 tablet every three days or twice weekly. Another antithrombotic agent used is low molecular weight heparin (Fragmin) given as subcutaneous injections once daily. The latter is a new anti-thrombotic agent (mainly blocking factor Xa of the coagulation cascade) that is being used by some cardiologists across the United State. The pharmacokinetics have not been completely worked out and the cost is prohibitive to many owners ($150-$250 a month). The use of warfarin therapy may also be a consideration but it can be an extremely difficult medication to regulate. It requires multiple visits for close monitoring of coagulation profiles during the treatment. Although, we are still searching for "the best" protocol to prevent thrombosis in cardiomyopathic cats, it appears that B vitamin supplementation maybe beneficial, however, further research is needed.
|
|
