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Idexx Seeks Vet Participation for Feline Heart Study

Idexx Laboratories Inc. of Westbrook, Maine, has launched a national field study on feline cardiac health to better understand the prevalence of feline heart disease and the profile of cats at risk.

“Current literature, based on existing cardiomyopathy studies, finds that one in six cats could have heart disease,” said Leif Lorentzen, DVM, the company’s senior medical affairs manager. “We are inviting general practice veterinarians to participate in this field study so we can better understand how cats present and classify the common traits of cats that do present. We will use our findings to quantify how feline cardiac biomarkers, when added to current blood-screening protocols, provide veterinarians with more comprehensive screening tools that advance patient care.”

Unlike humans, where diet and lifestyle can be predisposing risk factors for heart disease, cats are believed to have genetic predispositions that can arise at any age, according to Idexx. Heart walls thicken over time, affecting the heart’s ability to provide adequate oxygen to tissues and can lead to similar medical complications as those seen in some types of human heart disease.

“This national study will aggregate experience so that we can begin to establish sensible recommendations for when and how often to test, as well as how to discuss heart disease with pet owners,” Dr. Lorentzen said. “Most importantly, this study will help us determine the right time for pets to see a cardiologist.”

Idexx anticipates enrolling more than 3,000 general practice veterinarians in the study, which will continue through 2010.

How the study works:

• Click here to complete the online enrollment form or download the printable form.
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• Start screening feline patients with the Cardiopet proBNP Test, a blood screen that measures NTproBNP to quantify the stretch and stress of the heart.
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• Send fax study tracking sheet to 207-556-5204 or click here to enter results online.
  Veterinarians will receive an $11 cash rebate for every result submitted to the study. In addition, practices will receive a $50 Visa gift card for participating.

Click here for additional enrollment details. <HOME>

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Idexx Seeks Vet Participation for Feline Heart Study

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My male cat was diagnosed with RCM over eight years ago when he was not quite two. His treatment is furosemide or enalapril. I think it's too bad he couldn't have been included in this study but I am so glad to see it being done. Tai is still going strong and no signs of slowing down. Laura, Oklahoma City, OK Posted: 1/18/2011 8:48:21 AM My one diabetic has RCM and is doing great......dx'd over 3 yrs ago. I had the BNP test run as a basis by her cardiologist. I will also have another of my diabetics tested. I am lucky in that the lab at the clinic where I go has IDEXX in their basement facility. I also sent this info on to my regular vet. Hopefully this will encourage more vets to talk to their clients about running the test but......it is cost prohibitive to a lot of people. Maybe the $11 rebate could be given to the clients instead of the vets? A good vet will encourage clients without needing an incentive like the $50 gift card. Save that money, lower the cost of the test and encourage vets to highly recommend to clients to have the test run. No vet told me about this test.....I found out about it from a friend. I also wish they had never stopped producing IDEXX PZI insulin! Hope, Davisburg, MI Posted: 8/23/2010 9:17:16 AM