Atlantic Veterinary College launches clinical trial to treat heart tumors in dogs

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is launching a groundbreaking clinical trial to treat heart tumors in dogs with a drug commonly prescribed for children.

Heart tumors occur primarily in large breeds of dogs and are often not diagnosed until the animals are admitted to an emergency hospital, where the disease presents as a buildup of fluid around the heart. Led by Dr. Abigail Martin, Dr. Etienne Côté and Dr. Lynne O'Sullivan, the AVC is investigating the use of propranolol, a drug used to treat similar conditions in children.

“Propranolol has been shown to be very successful in treating hemangiomas in infants,” said Martin, one of the lead researchers. “We want to see if it has a similar effect in dogs, as treatment options for this condition are limited and often lead to end-of-life conversations.”

The study represents a significant advance in veterinary cardiology and explores therapeutic options for which there have previously been few options.

“Right now, we can help the patient in the short term by draining the fluid around the heart, so the dog gets better,” said Côté, co-leader of the clinical trial and professor of cardiology at the AVC. “But the underlying problem is the tumor, and surgery is often not useful. We want to know if this drug helps shrink the tumor and improve the quality of life of these animals.”

This innovative research is supported by the Arthur L. Irving Foundation, the ACVIM Cardiology Pacemaker Fund Research Grant, and the AVC's Companion Animal Fund, and underscores the College's commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and improving animal health. The trial will last up to two years.

Dogs eligible for the study must be referred to AVC by their veterinarian and meet certain criteria. Once enrolled, patients will receive the test drug orally at home for one month while being continuously monitored by AVC's veterinary specialists.

AVC recommends that dog owners who believe their pets may benefit from this study consult their veterinarian for recommendations and eligibility information.