2024 veterinary news in review: #12

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The dvm360 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 12 on this list:

First torsemide drug for dogs received conditional approval

written by dvm360 staff

Originally published May 13, 2024

The FDA has issued a conditional approval for the first torsemide drug for dogs (UpCard-CA1; Vetoquinol). This drug is intended to be used alongside concurrent medications including pimobendan, spironolactone, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This therapy combination will help manage pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs seen in dogs with congestive heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).¹

MMVD is an abnormality in the heart valve or muscle that prevents the valve from closing properly and should be diagnosed by a veterinarian through thorough physical and cardiac evaluations.¹ This abnormality affects the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently and can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly). If left untreated, MMVD can progress to congestive heart failure, causing fluid buildup in the chest and abdomen. MMVD is prevalent across various dog breeds, with a higher occurrence in smaller breeds such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, and dachshunds.

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At the 2023 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) forum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, third year cardiology resident at Texas A&M University, Tess Sykes, DVM presented a poster on the link between cardiac complications including MMVD in Borzoi dogs. The data she presented suggests that this breed can still be prone to develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), ventricular arrhythmias, and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

The FDA allows drugs treating serious or life-threatening diseases in animals to be marketed after demonstrating safety and manufacturing standard before receiving full approval. The organization allows recognized the difficulty this disease poses for gathering effective studies as it would be time consuming and difficult to gather a large data pool.¹ Therefore, the FDA has deemed UPCard-CA1 has met the necessary requirements for expanded conditional approval.

For more information on this story, including product vial size and dosage, continue reading the full article: https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-torsemide-drug-for-dogs-received-conditional-approval