A new publication into the benefits of spironolactone (Prilactone - CEVA Animal Health) has supported its use as part of first-line therapy for the treatment of dogs with congestive heart failure caused by mitral heart disease, according to CEVA.

The double-blind placebo-controlled study¹ involved 212 dogs on either spironolactone or a placebo, in addition to conventional therapy including an ACE inhibitor and furosemide.  It revealed that over a 15 month period 25.5% of dogs either died, were euthanased or severely worsened in the placebo group compared to 10.8% in the spironolactone group. This represents a 55% reduction in the risk of cardiac morbidity-mortality and a 69% reduction in the risk of cardiac-related death or euthanasia.

Further research² has also revealed that aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone, help to prevent myocardial fibrosis, a pathogenic process involved in the progression of heart failure.

For more information, 'Start Conversation' with Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS at CEVA Animal Health, or ring 01494 781510.

1 Efficacy of spironolactone on survival in dogs with naturally-occurring mitral regurgitation caused by myxomatous mitral value disease. Bernay F, Bland JM, Häggstrőm J, Baduel L, Combes B, Lopez A, Kaltsatos, V. (2010). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
2 Aldosterone receptor antagonists - how cardiovascular actions may explain their beneficial effects in heart failure. Ovaert P, Elliot J, Bernay F, Guillot E, Bardon T. (2010). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

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