title: Retrospective review of carvedilol administration in 38 dogs with preclinical chronic valvular heart disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Report the effect of carvedilol administration on clinical and echocardiographic parameters and outcome in dogs with preclinical (ACVIM Stage B) chronic valvular heart disease (CVD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series of 38 client-owned dogs. Demographic, physical examination and diagnostic imaging findings, blood pressure (BP), administration details and outcome were obtained from medical records of dogs receiving carvedilol for preclinical CVD. When possible, additional follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and owners.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline data and follow-up were evaluated. Median and interquartile range (IQR) for age and weight were 8.6 (7.2-10.8) years and 8.5 (7.6-9.6)kg. 14/38 were male; 33/38 were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; 33/38 had Stage B2 CVD. The initial dose of carvedilol was 0.31 (0.26-0.35)mg/kg PO twice daily. The carvedilol dose achieved following up titration was 1.11 (0.81-1.32)mg/kg twice daily. No adverse effects were recorded during up titration. Median survival for all dogs was 48.5 months with a 95% CI of 38.3-58.6.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that carvedilol at the dose reported herein is well tolerated in small breed dogs with preclinical CVD. Prospective studies to evaluate efficacy are warranted.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Sciences and Biomedical Devices, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA. sgordon@cvm.tamu.edu
authors.forename: Sonya G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Ashley B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Crystal D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Hariu
authors.forename: May M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Boggess
authors.forename: Matthew W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077261:Carvedilol; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002227:Carbazoles; D011412:Propanolamines; D000077261:Carvedilol