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Effect of pimobendan on echocardiographic values in dogs with asymptomatic mitral valve disease

M Ouellet1, M C Bélanger, R Difruscia

  • 1Companion Animal Research Group of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada. mouellet@centredmv.com

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|January 16, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pimobendan (PIMO) did not reduce mitral regurgitation in dogs with asymptomatic MVD. While short-term improvements in heart function were noted, these benefits were not sustained over six months.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Canine Health

Background:

  • Pimobendan (PIMO) is an inodilator with potential for treating mitral valve disease (MVD).
  • Hemodynamic effects of PIMO, particularly on mitral regurgitant volume in naturally occurring MVD, are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of adding pimobendan to standard treatment on the regurgitant fraction (RF) in dogs with asymptomatic MVD.
  • To assess the long-term hemodynamic changes associated with pimobendan therapy in canine MVD.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, blinded, controlled clinical trial involving 24 client-owned dogs with International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council class Ib MVD.
  • Dogs were randomized into a PIMO treatment group (n=19) or a control group (n=5), receiving PIMO at 0.2-0.3 mg/kg q12h.
  • Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted over a 6-month period to monitor cardiac function and mitral regurgitation.

Main Results:

  • The addition of PIMO did not significantly decrease the regurgitant fraction (RF) in dogs with asymptomatic MVD over the 6-month study period (P = .85).
  • A significant short-term increase in ejection fraction and decrease in left ventricular diameter was observed in the PIMO group at 30 days.
  • These improvements in systolic function were not sustained throughout the entire 6-month trial.

Conclusions:

  • Adding pimobendan to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment did not yield beneficial long-term changes in mitral regurgitation severity in dogs with asymptomatic MVD.
  • While short-term cardiac function improvements were noted, they were transient, suggesting limited long-term efficacy for reducing mitral regurgitation in this specific canine population.

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