Carvedilol in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by reduced systolic function, heightened sympathetic tone, and high morbidity and mortality. Little is known regarding the safety and efficacy of beta-blocker treatment in dogs with DCM.

Hypothesis: Carvedilol improves echocardiographic and neurohormonal variables in dogs with DCM over a 4-month treatment period.