Clinical Studies

Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease Studies

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.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy Studies

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 Studies

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.

The CARE Study

CVCA is partnering with an established veterinary pharmaceutical company on a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel drug therapy in the control of clinical signs in cats diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. 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 a novel therapy 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/

Effect of atenolol on echocardiographic variables and NT-proBNP in cats with HOCM

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 Studies

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.