Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs. CVCA is pleased to be working alongside colleagues on these studies to collect data in the diagnosis and management, finding potential genetic markers and assess the natural history of this disease to help identify risk factors for progression and death.
CVCA is partnering with an established pharmaceutical company aiming to improve the management of pulmonary edema in dogs with newly diagnosed congestive heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease. The study lasts approximately 3 months and requires up to 7 in-person visits. Dogs must have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to mitral valve disease to be considered for enrollment. All dogs will be treated with standard of care during the clinical trial (e.g. dogs assigned to the control group will receive FDA-approved treatment for CHF).
For a complete list of all participating locations, detailed qualifying criteria, potential participating incentive and other important information, please visit: https://pages.clinicalstudiesforpets.com/congestive-heart-failure-due-to-mitral-valve-disease
CVCA resident Dr. Romano is comparing echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle taken from the traditional left apical position while in left lateral recumbency to those taken from the left apical position while in right lateral recumbency. This study is open to dogs with degenerative valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease that causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body (heart failure). CVCA does not have any current studies involving this disease, but please check back for opportunities in the future.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease seen in cats. The disease results in a thickening of the heart muscle, in the absence of other diseases that will cause heart muscle thickening. Ultimately, these cats can be at risk for developing congestive heart failure, clot formation, or sudden cardiac death. CVCA is pleased to be working alongside colleagues on these studies to collect data in diagnosis and management, find potential genetic markers, and assess the natural history of this disease to help identify risk factors for progression and death.
CVCA is partnering with an established veterinary pharmaceutical company on a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SGLT-2 inhibition in the reversal or slowing the progression of heart muscle thickening and heart dysfunction in cats with a history of congestive heart failure secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Studies have pointed towards the benefits of this class of medication in the management of congestive heart failure. Cats enrolled in this study will have either a placebo or an SGLT-2 inhibitor added to the conventional treatments for heart failure and monitored closely for 1 year.
CVCA is partnering with an established veterinary pharmaceutical company on a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SGLT-2 inhibition in the reversal or slowing the progression of heart muscle thickening and heart dysfunction in cats with a history of congestive heart failure secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Studies have pointed towards the benefits of this class of medication in the management of congestive heart failure. Cats enrolled in this study will have either a placebo or an SGLT-2 inhibitor added to the conventional treatments for heart failure and monitored closely for 1 year.
For more detailed information about the study, including patient inclusion criteria, potential participation incentives, and how to get involved, visit https://www.felineheartstudy.com/
This study is for a modifying drug intervention to treat ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical HCM. The study is a multi-site, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical field study to provide substantial evidence of drug effectiveness. The study will be conducted at multiple clinical sites that are experienced in treating cats with HCM, including several CVCA sites. The study will consist of up to a 14-day screening period, followed by a 12-month once-weekly dosing period, with five post-enrollment study visits.
CVCA is providing investigations for the study through several of our own locations, including Fairfax, VA; Richmond, VA; Frederick, MD; Louisville, KY; Lawndale, CA; San Juan Capistrano, CA; and West Palm Beach, FL.
Currently, the study is accepting patients from referring veterinarians only. Patients should meet the qualifying criteria.
For a complete list of all participating locations, detailed qualifying criteria, potential participating incentive and other important information, please visit https://www.hcmincats.com/halt
CVCA resident Dr. Whitney is enrolling cases for a prospective study evaluating the effect of atenolol on echo parameters and a biomarker (NT-proBNP) in cats with HOCM. Atenolol is a commonly prescribed medication for HOCM and HCM. The effects have been studied in cats with HCM and mixed HCM/HOCM populations, but a study limited to cats with the obstructive form of the disease has not been performed.
Pulmonary hypertension is the condition of high blood pressure within the blood vessels of the lungs. Causes are variable, but can include chronic lung disease, advancing left sided heart disease, congenital diseases causing overcirculation of the pulmonary vasculature, thromboembolic diseases, and heartworm disease. Pulmonary hypertension can cause signs such as collapse and difficulty breathing.
Effect of sildenafil and NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin I in dogs with moderate pulmonary hypertension
CVCA resident Dr. Pannatoni will be evaluating the change in cardiac biomarkers in dogs with moderate pulmonary hypertension that is not due to advanced cardiac disease.
Sarah Bell, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Director of Research
Dr. Bell graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, and completed a rotating internship at North Carolina State University the following year. After a year practicing emergency medicine in Pittsburgh, she completed her cardiology residency at the University of Missouri and achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) in 2015.
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