OVC Pet Trust funded research in the news
A novel therapy tested by University of Guelph scientists for treating a fatal heart disorder in dogs might ultimately help in diagnosing and treating heart disease in humans. Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) professors Glen Pyle and Lynne O’Sullivan have also identified potential causes of inherited dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or “weak heart.” The groundbreaking study was published this month in the American Journal of Physiology.
Researchers suspect malfunctioning muscle proteins cause the heart to weaken, allowing it to dilate like an overfilled balloon. DCM is the second leading cause of heart failure in dogs, and it’s especially common in large breeds. Dogs typically show no symptoms until the disease is well-advanced. The condition is often inherited; up to 60 per cent of Doberman Pinschers are affected during their lifetime. Other breeds such as Irish wolfhounds and Great Danes also have high rates.
Read the full news release on the University of Guelph website.
Watch CTV News Kitchener's video coverage of the news.
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Lynne O’Sullivan (back to camera) and Glen Pyle conduct a cardiology exam on Roxy. Doberman pinschers are prone to inherited dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Also pictured are vet tech Heidi Chambers and owner Phyllis Markle