Comparison of the effects of imidapril and enalapril in a prospective, multicentric randomized trial in dogs with naturally acquired heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of the long-term administration of two different angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, imidapril and enalapril, in a multicentric, prospective, randomized parallel-group scheme clinical trial in dogs with naturally acquired heart disease. ANIMALS: One hundred twenty eight dogs with clinical signs of heart failure (stage II (64-50%) - III (45-35%) - IV (19-15%) New York Heart Association) caused by chronic valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy were selected. PROCEDURE: Imidapril (minimum dosage 0.25 mg/kg) or enalapril (median dosage 0.5 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 12 months, either alone or as an add-on therapy to diuretics and/or digoxin. RESULTS: The primary outcome measure was the quality of life score after 3 months of therapy. Sixty-one percent of the dogs in the imidapril group (36/59) and 52 % in the enalapril group (30/58) were considered responders. After 12 months, a clear improvement compared to baseline was maintained in each treatment group for most parameters reflecting the quality of life such as fatigue, exercise tolerance, dyspnea, cough and general condition. Quality of life scores and survival times were similar in both groups after 12 months. Both drugs were well tolerated over the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Imidapril proved to be as effective as the reference drug enalapril in the treatment of dogs with NYHA class II-IV heart failure. As with enalapril, imidapril was well tolerated during the long-term treatment period of one year in the dose range used in the study.

Right ventricular aneurysm and atrial septal defect in a cat.

This case report shows the development of a right ventricular aneurysm in a cat with a large atrial septal defect. Despite this complex cardiac pathology, the cat lived normally for more than 4 years and developed fatal congestive heart failure.

Atrioventricular Canal Defect (incomplete form of endocardial cushion defect) and Ostium Secundum Type Interatrial Septal defect in a dog.

A four-year-old German shepherd mixed-breed dog was presented with an asymptomatic heart murmur. An atrial septal defect associated with tricuspid and mitral dysplasia (atrioventricular canal defect) was diagnosed. The pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio was in the range of 2.5:1 (Qp:Qs ratio). Echocardiography and flow pattern across the valves as well as the direction of the shunt allows a better description of the physiopathological consequences of this rare congenital heart disease. Additionally, an Ostium Secundum Type interatrial septum defect was found at necropsy.