Comparative evaluation of the echocardiographic parameters of dogs with chronic mitral valve regurgitation treated with amlodipine or pimobendan

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic mitral valve regurgitation is the most common heart disease in dogs. It is caused by myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, an acquired degenerative disease that can lead to congestive heart failure. Pimobendan is a mixed action drug, with inotropic and vasodilator proprieties, widely used to treat such dogs. Amlodipine is a pure vasodilator drug used as an anti-hypertensive agent, with no inotropic effects. This study aimed to compare echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and blood pressure parameters between dogs with congestive heart failure treated with pimobendan and those treated with amlodipine in addition to conventional therapy. Materials, Methods & Results: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in dogs with stage C chronic mitral valve regurgitation according to the 2009 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, who weighed up to 15 kg. Randomization was performed using appropriate software and the sealed envelope technique. Blinding of the owner, the main researcher, and the person who performed the clinical analysis was guaranteed by the use of identical capsules and bottles for both pimobendan and amlodipine. Statistical analysis was performed using specialized software. Eligibility was determined by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dogs with cardiac disease other than mitral [...]