The EPIC study has just been published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. EPIC stands for Evaluation of Pimobendan In Cardiomegaly.
This groundbreaking study has shown that at last we have a way to slow down the progression of sub-clinical mitral valve disease in small breed dogs.
The EPIC study showed that when small breed dogs that had mitral valve disease causing cardiomegaly but not congestive heart failure were treated with pimobendan there was a significantly longer time period before they progressed to congestive heart failure as well as an increased survival time.
This study only demonstrated benefit for dogs with radiographically and sonographically confirmed cardiomegaly.
To enable you and your patients to benefit from these very significant findings, BVSC have now introduced a special ‘’EPIC” outpatient ultrasound service.
This service is offered to dogs weighing less than 15 kg with a grade 3 or louder heart murmur without signs of congestive heart failure (ie increased sleeping respiratory rate or exercise intolerance).
An out-patient echocardiographic examination will be performed to specifically report on the criteria defined in the EPIC study.
A written report will be sent stating whether the criteria are met.
Thoracic radiography is advised to be performed at your clinic and of course, ongoing/lifelong pimobendan if indicated, will be prescribed by your clinic.
To enable the maximum number of dogs to benefit, these ultrasounds will be priced at a reduced rate.
If you have patients that would benefit from this service, please call reception on (07) 3264 9400 and ask for an “EPIC ultrasound booking’’.
Please note that this service is specifically designed for evaluation of the EPIC criteria only. A full echocardiographic examination is still required for any other cardiac cases.
If you have any questions, please contact any of the internal medicine team at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre on (07) 3264 9400.
