Effect of pravastatin on echocardiographic circulation parameters in dogs

Effect of Pravastatin as an Adjunctive Therapeutic for Mitral Insufficiency with Hyperlipidemia in a Dog

Pravastatin (PS) has been found to increase left ventricle (LV) expansion capacity and decrease LV constriction and left atrial pressure in healthy dogs. To date, there are no available reports on the effects of PS in dogs with hypercholesterolemia with chronic heart failure (CHF). This case report demonstrates a successful long-term treatment plan using PS in a dog suffering from mitral insufficiency with hyperlipidemia. A 12-year-old, castrated male Chihuahua dog had mitral insufficiency with hyperlipidemia. The dog presented with symptoms of chronic coughing. PS was orally administered (1 mg/kg, SID) in addition to general treatment for mitral insufficiency. The follow-up period was 375 days. PS administration decreased the heart rate (HR), vertebral heart size (VHS), and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration of the dog. In addition, PS administration also improved chronic cardiac failure induced by mitral insufficiency and hyperlipidemia. This report suggests that PS can be useful as an adjunctive therapeutic for dogs with hypercholesterolemia with mitral insufficiency.

Effects of Eplerenone on Blood Pressure and Echocardiographic and Serum Biochemical Variables in Five Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study

Eplerenone (EP), an aldosterone antagonist, is reported to produce renal and cardiac protective effects in noncanine species. However, there are no detailed reports available on cardiovascular effects of EP in dogs. This study aimed to determine effect of EP on echocardiographic parameters, blood pressures, and biochemical variables in healthy dogs. Five healthy Beagle dogs were randomly divided and repeatedly used in each of 3 dose groups, receiving 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg BW EP orally q24 h for 4 wks. Serum biochemical test, blood pressure, and Doppler echocardiography measurements were performed before EP administration and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after EP administration. Treatment with EP reduced mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner and significantly (but in a dose-independent manner) decreased left atrium/aorta ratio, early diastolic transmitral flow, early diastolic transmitral flow/late diastolic transmitral flow, peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion, left ventricle and right ventricle Tei indices, stroke volume, cardiac output, and mid systole myocardial velocity gradient 1 to 4 weeks after administration. Deceleration time of early diastolic transmitral flow significantly increased after EP administration. No significant changes were observed in serum biochemical variables. The results indicated that EP might reduce preload, thereby decreasing left atrial size. In addition, reduction of left ventricular stiffness may have theoretically taken place but this could not be tested using the present study design. It is suggested that EP administration within the dose range used in this study is safe for administration to healthy dogs. Further studies are needed to explore both safety and efficacy, as well as to seek a recommended dose range of EP treatment in client-owned dogs with heart disease.