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Earlier treatment 'could delay onset of heart failure'
dog
Lead author Adrian Boswood, professor of veterinary cardiology at the RVC, said thanks to the findings, vets no longer have to adopt a 'watch and wait' approach with suspected preclinical cases of MVD.
RVC: Study highlights need for shift in treatment of preclinical MVD
 
A new study suggests earlier treatment of preclinical mitral valve disease (MVD) can delay the onset of heart failure in dogs. Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) say this highlights the need for a shift in the way vets diagnose and manage the disease.

The study, Evaluation of Pimobendan in Cardiomegaly (EPIC), found the drug was able to extend the asymptomatic period by 15 months on average and dogs that received pimobendan lived significantly longer than those receiving a placebo. The findings have been published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Heart disease is one of the top five causes of death in UK dogs and MVD accounts for 75 per cent of cases.

Lead author Adrian Boswood, professor of veterinary cardiology at the RVC, said thanks to the findings, vets no longer have to adopt a 'watch and wait' approach with suspected preclinical cases of MVD.

"When a typical mitral valve murmur is detected, vets should now investigate further to look for cardiac enlargement. If demonstrated, this suggests the patient will probably benefit from treatment with pimobendan before the onset of clinical signs."

Researchers say the EPIC study, which was designed and run by an independent team and sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is the largest prospective veterinary cardiology study carried out to date and produced data to rival that of human clinical trials. Taking seven years to complete, it involved 360 dogs across 11 countries in four continents.

In light of the findings, the team say vets should now consider testing early for signs of preclinical MVD, and in dogs with cardiomegaly secondary to preclinical MVD, should consider the use of pimobendan to delay the onset of congestive heart failure and extend the asymptomatic period.
 

Image courtesy of RVC

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.