Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pimobendan lowers left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve
By Suzuki, S et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2011·Department of Veterinary Surgery, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The effect of pimobendan on left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve regurgitation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of healthy 2-year-old Beagle dogs with surgically induced mitral valve disease (a heart condition) were given a medication called pimobendan to see how it affected their heart pressure. The dogs received either a low or high dose of the medication for a week, and researchers found that both doses significantly lowered the pressure in the left atrium of the heart. The higher dose worked better and showed results just one day after starting treatment. While this study showed promising results for reducing heart pressure, more research is needed to understand any potential side effects in dogs with real heart issues.
People also search for: dog mitral valve disease treatment · pimobendan for dogs · Beagle heart problems
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effects of pimobendan on left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with mitral valve disease (MR) have not been documented in a quantitative manner. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to document and study the short-term effects of pimobendan on LAP and echocardiographic parameters in MR dogs. ANIMALS: Eight healthy Beagle dogs weighing 10.0-14.7 kg (3 males and 5 females; aged 2 years) were used. METHODS: Experimental, cross-over, and interventional study. Dogs with surgically induced MR received pimobendan at either 0.25 mg/kg or 0.50 mg/kg p.o. q12h for 7 days and then, after a 7-day wash-out period, the other dosage. LAP was measured for 30 minutes at baseline and again on days 1, 2, 4, and 7 of pimobendan administration. RESULTS: Mean LAP was significantly decreased after the administration of 0.25 mg/kg (15.81 ± 5.44 mmHg to 12.67 ± 5.71 mmHg, P < .001) and 0.50 mg/kg (15.76 ± 5.45 mmHg to 10.77 ± 5.23 mmHg, P < .001). Also, the 0.50 mg/kg group led to a significantly lower LAP (P < .01) compared with the 0.25 mg/kg group. Significant reduction was seen for the first time 4 days after the administration of 0.25 mg/kg and a day after the administration of 0.50 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Pimobendan decreased LAP in a dose-dependent manner in dogs with acute MR caused by experimental chordal rupture. This study did not evaluate adverse effects of high-dose pimobendan, and additional studies in clinical patients are warranted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22092624/