Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of heart failure in certain breeds of large dogs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as Benazepril have been shown to increase survival rate and life expectancy in animals and humans alike in heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by lowering blood pressure and reducing the after-load or resistance to blood flowing out of the heart. Benazepril and pimobendan administered independently or in conjunction have been shown to improve clinical outcomes and survival time in dogs with CHF caused by valvular disease (King, 2018).
In a 2009 study of high-risk Doberman Pinschers, the benazepril treatment group found a 44% reduction in the likelihood of developing overt DCM from existing asymptomatic DCM (O’Grady, 2009). It is important to obtain more information regarding other breeds but Doberman Pinschers appear to have more aggressive diagnoses on average in comparison. Due to aggressive diagnoses, most effective treatment regimens are aggressive as well. The standard treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs includes “triple therapy”, consisting of a combination of the diuretic furosemide, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ACEI), and pimobendan (King, 2018).
Benazepril is still a viable option in many forms of heart failure but important to differentiate it as an adjunct therapy.
Dosing in Canines: 0.25-0.5mg/kg by mouth 1-2 times daily
King, J.N., et al. (2018). “Evaluation of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Benazepril and Pimobendan in Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure: A Randomized Non-inferiority Clinical Trial.” Journal of Veterinary Science (19, 1) 117. Doi: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.1.117. Accessed 28 Oct 2021.
O’Grady, M.R., et al. (2009). “Efficacy of Benazepril Hydrochloride to Delay the Progression of Occult Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (23, 5) 977-983. Doi: 10.111/j.1939-1676.2009.0346.x. Accessed 28 Oct 2021.