title: Comparison of the effects of imidapril and enalapril in a prospective, multicentric randomized trial in dogs with naturally acquired heart failure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of the long-term administration of two different angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, imidapril and enalapril, in a multicentric, prospective, randomized parallel-group scheme clinical trial in dogs with naturally acquired heart disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty eight dogs with clinical signs of heart failure (stage II (64-50%) - III (45-35%) - IV (19-15%) New York Heart Association) caused by chronic valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy were selected.
  
  
  METHODS
  Imidapril (minimum dosage 0.25 mg/kg) or enalapril (median dosage 0.5 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 12 months, either alone or as an add-on therapy to diuretics and/or digoxin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary outcome measure was the quality of life score after 3 months of therapy. Sixty-one percent of the dogs in the imidapril group (36/59) and 52 % in the enalapril group (30/58) were considered responders. After 12 months, a clear improvement compared to baseline was maintained in each treatment group for most parameters reflecting the quality of life such as fatigue, exercise tolerance, dyspnea, cough and general condition. Quality of life scores and survival times were similar in both groups after 12 months. Both drugs were well tolerated over the one-year follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Imidapril proved to be as effective as the reference drug enalapril in the treatment of dogs with NYHA class II-IV heart failure. As with enalapril, imidapril was well tolerated during the long-term treatment period of one year in the dose range used in the study.
authors.affiliation: 96 rue de la Servette, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Amberger
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chetboul
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bomassi
authors.forename: Sandrine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rougier
authors.forename: Frédérique
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Woehrlé
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Thoulon