Evaluating a Genetic Variant That Determines Response to Heart Disease Medications

Myxomatous mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease affecting dogs. Affected dogs often develop congestive heart failure after an asymptomatic period. Providing medical intervention during the asymptomatic period may postpone heart failure, but there is little consensus on the best therapy. The researchers have discovered that some dogs have a genetic variation that results in a less effective response to certain medications. Dogs with the variation may need different doses or possibly different medications entirely. Researchers will evaluate these medications in dogs - with and without the genetic variant - that have mitral valve disease and use the information to determine the best cardiac treatments.