CVM Conducts Canine Heart Murmur Study
The Comparative Pain Research Laboratory at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine is conducting an ongoing heart disease study and is interested in enrolling eligible patients who have a diagnosed heart murmur.
Owners who have dogs suffering with early stages of the heart disease are invited to participate in a clinical trial that is designed to measure the pet’s activity at home. Qualified participants will have their activity recorded with a small device (the size of a quarter) that is attached to the collar. Investigators hope to measure the possible effect of the heart medication on its ability to increase activity and vigor by comparing the participant’s activity level with that of a similar dog without heart disease.
The study requires an outpatient appointment with the Cardiology Service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). The participating dog will then wear the activity recording device for two weeks to create a baseline of information and then for an additional two weeks after twice-daily medication is started.
Owners receive $300 towards the cost of an evaluation by the VTH Cardiology Service and the cost of the medication. The evaluation includes an extensive health screening.
For more information, see the Comparative Pain Research Laboratory web site cvm.ncsu.edu/docs/cprl/ or call 919.513.6854 or e-mail cvm_cprl@ncsu.edu.
Posted March 8, 2011
