Dilated Cardiomyopathy Essay

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Nutrition is a major importance in the prevention of diseases and also an important maintenance for pets with chronic disorders (congestive heart failure, renal disease, etc.). Certain prescription diets have been designed with the intent to either cure or prolong the patients’ well-being. The affects that malnutrition have on the cardiovascular system range from muscle loss/weakness, anemia from vitamin/mineral deficiencies, and loss of myocardial muscle from decreased protein intake (Webb et al., 1986). Certain vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, folic acid, and B12 deficiencies will cause anemia. The loss of the blood to the cardiovascular system decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissue, which causes elevation in the heart rate (tachycardia), because the heart is trying to compensate for the lack of …show more content…

It has also been noted that in some studies nutrient deficiencies of taurine and carnitine have been revealed to cause Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) (Kittleson, n.d.), especially in feline patients since they need taurine in their diets. Dogs with DCM (primarily Boxers) have been caused by carnitine deficiency, which has a major role in energy creation and fatty acid metabolism (Kittleson, n.d.). Loss of protein intake from malnutrition takes its toll on weight loss and muscle mass. The heart is one big muscle called the cardiac muscle. The loss of protein weakens of the muscles (cachexia) and causes the heart to have a difficult time pumping the blood to and from the heart. The valves between the chambers also weaken, which causes blood to backflow and fluid to build up (ascites, pleural effusion). Therefore, when the heart starts to fail from lack of proper nutrition so too does the rest of the body. If the heart can no longer supply healthy blood, then buildup of toxic waste, carbon dioxide, and eventually death occur. This is why maintaining your pets with a healthy, well balanced diet plays an important role on the cardiovascular

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