Clinical Studies

Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease Studies

Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs.  CVCA is pleased to be working alongside colleagues on these studies to collect data in the diagnosis and management, finding potential genetic markers and assess the natural history of this disease to help identify risk factors for progression and death.

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is currently participating in 2 Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease Studies.

VT Look Mitral Study

• CVCA collaborating with Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine for this study.
• The purpose of the study is to assess the natural history of Mitral Valve Disease in a large referred population of dogs, assess the prevalence and effects of co-morbidities on the history of the disease and to identify risk factors for progression and death.

Carmine Study

• CVCA collaborating with Nestle-Purina for this study.
• The purpose of the study is to identify whether dietary modification will slow the progression of early preclinical Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DVMD).

Dilated Cardiomyopathy Studies

Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease that causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body (heart failure).  CVCA is pleased to be working alongside colleagues on these studies to collect data in the diagnosis and management, finding potential genetic markers and assess the natural history of this disease to help identify risk factors for progression and death.

FDA Study

• CVCA is working closely with the FDA for this study.
• The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of grain-free diets on amino acid levels diagnosed with DCM. 

Hill’s Embark DCM Study

• CVCA is working closely with Hill’s for this study.
• The purpose of the study is to investigate potential genetic factors that may lead to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.