Veterinary college launches clinical trial to treat cardiac tumors in dogs

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The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) announced the launch of its new clinical trial aiming to treat cardiac tumors in canines. The trial will focus on using a propranolol, which is prescribed to treat similar conditions in children. The study will be led by Lynne O’Sullivan, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, Abigail Martin, DVM, BSc, cardiology resident at AVC, and Etienne Côté, BSc, VM, DACVIM

"Propranolol has shown great success in treating hemangiomas in infants,” said Martin, in an organizational release.¹ “We want to see if it can have a similar effect on dogs, as treatment options for this condition are limited and often result in end-of-life-conversations.”

Cardiac tumors typically affect larger breeds of dogs and are not diagnosed until after a pet is admitted to an emergency hospital with fluid around their heart. When it comes to cardiac tumors, they are considered rare and their symptoms are usually nonspecific, creating a low level is suspicion of it actually being at tumor and delays diagnosis. Owners could report their pet is experiencing neurologic signs, abdominal distention, lethargy, and weakness.²

According to the National Health Service,³ propranolol is a beta blocker used to treat heart problems, help with some anxiety symptoms, and prevent migraines in humans. It works by slowing down the patient’s heart rate to make it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

“Right now, we can help the patient in the short term by relieving the fluid around the heart, so it helps the dog feel better,” said Côté.¹ “However, the underlying issue is the tumor, and surgery is often not viable. We want to know if this medication will help shrink the tumor and enhance the quality of life for these animals.”

In order to participate in the study, eligible dogs must be referred to AVC by their veterinarian and meet particular criteria. Once enrolled in the study, patients will receive trial medication that will be administered orally for one month and they will be monitored by AVC’s specialists. AVC shared in the release that it encourages dog owners to consult with their veterinarian for referral and eligibility information.

The study will be supported by the Arthur L. Irving Foundation, the ACVIM Cardiology Pacemaker Fund Research Grant, and AVC’s Companion Animal Fund and will continue for up to 2 years.

Reference

1. Atlantic Veterinary College initiates clinical trial for treatment of cardiac tumours in dogs. News release. Atlantic Veterinary College. August 27, 2024. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.upei.ca/communications/news/2024/08/atlantic-veterinary-college-initiates-clinical-trial-treatment-cardiac
2. Köster L, Lawson PB. Cardiac tumors in dogs and cats. dvm360. February 12, 2021. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/cardiac-tumors-in-dogs-and-cats
3. Propranolol. National Health Service. Published 2021. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/propranolol/