DCM study at U Penn
Gail Jordon
Benefit of Pimobendan in Asymptomatic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the Doberman Pinscher
> The cardiology service at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania is recruiting Doberman Pinschers for a study on dilated cardiomyopathy. If you own a healthy Doberman Pinscher between the ages of five to nine years old, he or she may be eligible to participate in a clinical study evaluating the drug pimobendan (Vetmedin) in Dobermans with asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Specifically, we will be focusing on whether the medication delays the onset of heart failure and improves long-term survival.
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> Pimobendan is a positive inotropic drug that causes dilation of the blood vessels and is commonly used to treat heart failure in dogs, including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study aims to see if giving the drug to dogs with underlying DCM, which they do not show any symptoms for, will delay the onset of symptoms and progression of the disease.
> Pimobendan is one medication accepted as the standard of care treatment for dogs with symptomatic heart disease.
> Eligibility:
> Pure-bred Doberman Pinschers, male or female, neutered or intact. Female dogs will not be eligible if they are pregnant, lactating or intended for breeding.
> Must be between five and nine years old
> No symptoms or prior treatment of heart disease
> Cannot be taking long-term steroids or medications to treat heart or lung disease
> Dog must pass screening test, which includes consultation, echocardiogram, blood test and 24-hour ECG (halter monitor)
> All dogs will receive diagnostic tests and study drug at no cost to you. The initial screening visit is free conditional on agreement to
> participate in the study if the dog is eligible. Dogs that are enrolled must return to the cardiology service at MJR-VHUP twice-yearly for re-check exams.
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> This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, meaning that some dogs will receive the active drug, while some will receive a placebo and neither you nor the study personnel will know what your dog is receiving. If your dog begins to show symptoms of heart failure, this will mark the end of the first portion of the study. You will then be offered the opportunity to enroll in the open-label (un-blinded) portion of the study in which your dog may receive pimobendan at no charge for the rest of his or her life. This part of the study does not cover any other diagnostic tests or hospital visits.
> If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact the Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center at 215-573-0302 or vc...@vet.upenn.edu