Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the effects of coenzyme Q supplementation on plasma coenzyme Q concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the dose of coenzyme Q (CoQ) needed to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure (CHF).

ANIMALS

18 dogs with CHF due to MMVD and 12 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES

In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, dogs with MMVD were given 50 or 100 mg of water-soluble CoQ (ubiquinone; total daily dose, 100 mg [n = 5] or 200 mg [6]) or a placebo (7), PO, twice a day for 2 weeks in addition to regular cardiac treatment. Plasma CoQ concentration was measured in dogs with MMVD before (baseline) and at various time points after supplementation began and in healthy dogs once. Concentrations were compared among and within groups.

RESULTS

No significant difference in median baseline plasma CoQ concentration was detected between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD. Fold increases in plasma CoQ concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 4.7 and 3.2 to 6.8 for individual dogs in the 100-mg and 200-mg groups, respectively. The change in plasma CoQ concentration after supplementation began was significantly higher than in the placebo group at 4 hours and 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 200-mg group and at 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 100-mg group.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A daily CoQ dose of 200 mg was sufficient to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ concentration and may be used in CoQ supplementation studies involving dogs with CHF due to MMVD.