The most common form of heart disease in the dog is called valvular endocardiosis. This is a degenerative disease of the heart valve that can result in coughing, shortness of breath and sometimes even collapse or death. It affects many of the small breed dogs such as Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Terriers and many mixed breed dogs as they become middle aged or elderly. There is no cure for this disease although many dogs can be maintained on medications for awhile.
We have recently started participating in a multi-center study to evaluate a new drug for dogs with this disease who have not yet developed any symptoms. The aim of the new medication is to delay the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with this disease. Enrolled patients will be randomized to placebo or the new cardiac medication and followed for up to 4 years.
In order to participate, dogs should have been diagnosed with a heart murmur on the left side of the heart consistent with valvular heart disease. They should not show any symptoms (cough, etc) and should not yet be on any heart medications.
The study will pay for an initial visit (exam and echocardiogram) for a patient to be evaluated at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine for possible enrollment in the study. For enrolled patients, the study will then cover cardiac medical costs for follow-up of the patient. This will include clinic visits to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine at 3 to 6 month intervals for cardiac evaluations (diagnostics performed at follow-up visits may include echocardiograms, chest radiographs, blood pressures and laboratory work).
Please contact Dr. Kate Meurs (Meurs@vetmed.wsu.edu) or Becky Connors (BConnors@vetmed.wsu.edu) or 509-335-6038 for questions or if you think your dog may qualify and would like to participate!
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