Heart disease is common in dogs, affecting approximately 10 percent of dogs in their lifetime.1Dogs that are affected by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may progress to CHF, with the heart unable to effectively pump blood throughout the body.

“Heart disease is most often present in dogs long before symptoms are visible, so the ability to treat dogs with VETMEDIN early, before the disease progresses to CHF, is incredibly significant and will help increase the survival time and quality of life in dogs,” explained Daniel Watkins, Head of U.S. Pet at Boehringer Ingelheim. “VETMEDIN has been helping dogs with heart disease for more than 25 years, and we are thrilled that this full additional approval will allow us to improve the lives of more dogs.”

The approval is an expansion of an FDA conditional approval in 2022 for this indication and marks the first FDA full approval of an animal drug indication that was initially conditionally approved. The full approval was based on two multi-site studies. In the EPIC study, VETMEDIN delayed the onset of CHF or cardiac-related death by 15.6 months in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical MMVD, compared to the control arm.2 In a second study, 79% of dogs with Stage B2 preclinical MMVD were successfully treated with VETMEDIN for one year without developing CHF.

The approval adds an additional indication to those already included in the VETMEDIN label – the management of the signs of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to clinical MMVD or DCM, for use with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure (e.g., furosemide, etc.) as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Studies have shown that VETMEDIN can help improve the survival time and quality of life for dogs with CHF due to MMVD or DCM.3-5

VETMEDIN is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: 

The safety of VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets and VETMEDIN® Solution (pimobendan oral solution) has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease caused by etiologies other than MMVD or in CHF caused by etiologies other than MMVD or DCM. The most common non-cardiac adverse reactions reported in field studies, were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, vomiting, musculoskeletal pain, and ataxia. For full prescribing information see package insert or visit www.VETMEDINclinic.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at?www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

References:

1  Keene, Bruce W et al. “ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 33,3 (2019): 1127-1140. doi:10.1111/jvim.15488.

2 Boswood A, Häggström J, Gordon SG, et al. Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study-A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Vet Intern Med. 2016 Nov;30(6):1765-1779. doi: 10.1111/jvim.14586. Epub 2016 Sep 28.

3 Haggstrom J et al , Effect of pimobendan or benazepril hydrochloride on survival times in dogs with congestive heart failure caused by naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease: the QUEST Study, J Vet Intern Med. 2008; 22(5): 1124-1135.

4 Lombard, Christophe W et al. “Clinical efficacy of pimobendan versus benazepril for the treatment of acquired atrioventricular valvular disease in dogs.” Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association vol. 42,4 (2006): 249-61. doi:10.5326/0420249.

5 Luis Fuentes V et al, A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Pimobendan in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy J Vet Intern Med. 2002;16: 255-261.

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends. It also can bring some hazards for pets. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

Poison risks

Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, and even worse for pets: Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest. Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract. And holiday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.

• Keep the feast on the table—not under it.  Eating turkey or turkey skin – sometimes even a small amount – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets – including onions, raisins and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them.
• No pie or other desserts for your pooch. Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though many dogs find it tempting and will sniff it out and eat it. The artificial sweetener xylitol – commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods – also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.
• Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
• Put the trash away where your pets can’t find it.  A turkey carcass sitting out on the carving table, or left in a trash container that is open or easily opened, could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones – and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags and packaging – in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
• Be careful with decorative plants. Some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas, and more. The ASPCA has lists of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats, but the safest route is simply to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
• Quick action can save lives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows any of these signs.

Precautions for parties

If you’re hosting a party or overnight visitors, plan ahead to keep your pets safe and make the experience less stressful for everyone.

• Visitors can upset your pets. Some pets are shy or excitable around new people or in crowds, and Thanksgiving often means many visitors at once and higher-than-usual noise and activity levels. If you know your dog or cat is nervous when people visit your home, put him/her in another room or a crate with a favorite toy. This will reduce the emotional stress on your pet and protect your guests from possible injury. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem. Any dog can bite. Learn about dog bite prevention.
  • If any of your guests have compromised immune systems (due to pregnancy, some diseases, or medications or treatments that suppress the immune system), make sure they’re aware of the pets (especially exotic pets) in your home so they can take extra precautions to protect themselves.
  • If you have exotic pets, remember that some people are uncomfortable around them and that these pets may be more easily stressed by the festivities. Keep exotic pets safely away from the hubbub of the holiday.
• Watch the exits. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. While you’re welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, your pet may make a break for it and become lost outdoors.
• Identification tags and microchips reunite families. Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information – particularly a microchip with up-to-date, registered information. That way, if they do sneak out, they’re more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of this simple procedure.
• Watch your pets around festive decorations. Special holiday displays or candles are attractive to pets as well as people. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire. Other decorations like ornamental corn cobs and plastic or fabric leaves can cause intestinal blockages or even perforate an animal’s intestine if eaten.

Travel concerns

Whether you take your pets with you or leave them behind, you can take steps to safeguard them when traveling for Thanksgiving or at any other time.

Your pet needs a health certificate from your veterinarian if you’re traveling across state lines or international borders, whether by air or car. Learn the requirements for any states you will visit or pass through, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get the needed certificate within the timeframes required by those states.

Never leave pets alone in vehicles, even for a short time, regardless of the weather.

Pets should always be safely restrained in vehicles. This means using a secure harness or a carrier, placed in a location clear of airbags. This helps protect your pets if you brake or swerve suddenly, or get in an accident; keeps them away from potentially poisonous food or other items; prevents them from causing dangerous distractions for the driver; and can prevent small animals from getting trapped in small spaces. Never transport your pet in the bed of a truck. Learn more about properly restraining pets in vehicles.

Talk with your veterinarian if you’re traveling by air and considering bringing your pet with you. Air travel can put pets at risk, especially short-nosed dogs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you regarding your own pet’s ability to travel.

Pack for your pet as well as yourself if you’re going to travel together. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other items. Refer to the Traveling with Your Pet FAQ for a more complete list.

Are you considering boarding your dog while you travel? Talk with your veterinarian to find out how best to protect your pet from canine flu and other contagious diseases, and to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.

Food safety

Don’t forget to protect your family and loved ones from foodborne illnesses while cooking your Thanksgiving meal. Hand washing, and safe food handling and preparation, are important to make sure your holiday is a happy one. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers tips for handling, thawing and cooking turkey, as well as saving your leftovers.

Tips From the American Veterinary Medicine Association found here: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/thanksgiving-pet-safety

Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe:

Stay Home: Keep dogs at home during trick-or-treating to minimize stress from strangers and costumes.

Safe Costumes: If dressing up your pet, ensure the costume allows for easy movement, vision, and breathing. Avoid small parts that could be choking hazards.

Candy Safety: Keep all candies and chocolates out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect they’ve ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Watch Decorations: Be cautious with decorations. Even if they’re non-toxic, edible items like pumpkins can upset your dog’s stomach if consumed.

These tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for your furry friends!

“Summer weather provides a variety of hazardous conditions for indoor and outdoor pets alike,” said Faeh. ”There are preventive steps and actions you can take to help keep your pets safe.”

When severe weather is forecast:

• Create an evacuation plan, including how pets will be transported, mapped out in advance.
• Connect with family and friends to determine places to go and means of travel.
• Assemble an evacuation kit including several days’ pet food, medications, a first aid kit, and medical records with veterinarian information.
• Make sure your pet has proper and up-to-date ID tags and a microchip, in case you get separated.
• Contact your veterinarian for advice on how to keep your pet calm during weather emergencies.

In the sizzling heat of summer:

• Walk your dog early in the morning and/or later in the evening.
• Make sure to bring plenty of water with you.
• Stay on grassy areas with shade whenever possible.
• Be mindful not to leave your dog outside longer than necessary – even if they want to stay outside in the sun.
• Keep the air conditioning on indoors.
• If a pet has light skin or thin fur, apply some pet-safe sunscreen.
• Always watch a pet in a pool, and use a life vest in deep water.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows signs of heat stress, which include excessive panting or drooling, increased heart rate, pale gums, lethargy, fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Log on to www.avma.org for more valuable information about pets, summer heat, and disaster preparedness planning. 

1. Do not leave your pet alone in your car. Vehicles heat up quickly in the sun, and animals left in them can succumb to heat stroke within minutes. Heat stroke is life threatening for both dogs and cats. Signs to watch for include heavy, loud breathing; a staggering gait; a bright red tongue or gum tissue; vomiting; diarrhea (sometimes blood); or changes in mentation and even seizures. If heat stroke is suspected, bring the animal to a cool place, put cold compresses on its belly, or wet it down. Because this is a medical emergency, take your pet to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.
2. Brachycephalic (short-headed) dogs, particularly Bulldogs and dogs with upper airway disease, are particularly susceptible to over-heating during hot, humid days. To prevent your dog from overheating, do not exercise it in hot weather. If you want to run or walk with your dog, do it in the cool hours of the early morning or late evening. And be careful when walking your dog on hot pavement, as it can sometimes burn their footpads.
3. Dogs and cats need a cool, shadyplace to sleep during hot weather, as well as plenty of clean, fresh water that is accessible at all times. Feed your dog or cat in the cooler hours of the day. Older animals have a hard time in hot weather, so be extra sensitive to their needs during the hottest hours of the day.
4. Be sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Parvo virus, an illness that flourishes in hot weather, can be fatal to dogs that have not received vaccinations. Also, be sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are current. During the summer months, pets often spend more time outdoors, increasing their chances of encountering wildlife (possible rabies carriers).
5. It’s heartworm medication time! If your dog hasn’t been tested for heartworm this year, see your veterinarian. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, but it can be prevented by administering a monthly preventive between June and November. Additionally, make sure your pet receives flea and tick preventative medication. Many fleas and ticks carry infectious diseases that can affect your pet (e.g., Lyme Disease).
6. Keep your pet well groomed. Daily brushing or combing lets you check for fleas and ticks. Ticks can carry infectious diseases and fleas can cause allergic reactions and “hot spots” in dogs. Hot spots are large, wet lesions that appear suddenly in areas where the dog has scratched. See your veterinarian for flea and tick preventives or if a hot spot appears.
7. Play with your pet instead of simply stroking it to fend off July 4th firework fears. Playing a game with your pet when it shows early signs of anxiety, like pacing or trembling, can distract from the stressor and, in the long term, teach the animal to associate that same stressor with positive things such as play and treats. Follow your dog’s cue to help it “hide” in a favorite room or under a desk, complete with chew toys. Turn on the radio or TV to muffle outside noises. If your dog’s fear is severe, an appointment with the Penn Vet Behavior Service (215-898-3347) can help.
8. Keep dogs away from picnic garbage. Ingesting corncobs and chicken bones can be life threatening. Also, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the peels, fruit, and seeds of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin, and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and result in vomiting and diarrhea. The stems, leaves, and seeds of apples, cherries, peaches, and apricots contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting and loss of appetite when eaten in large amounts. In severe cases, weakness, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, shock, and even death can occur. In addition, grapes and raisins can cause severe kidney damage in dogs. Cats can develop kidney failure from chewing lily plants. Anti-freeze can be deadly, even in small amounts, to both dogs and cats.
9. If you have a swimmingpool, do not leave your dog unattended in the pool area. Not all dogs can swim and they can drown if they fall into the water.
10. Use a heavy screen on windows or keep them closed if you have cats. During the summer, the number of cats suffering from “high rise” syndrome, or falling from windows, increases dramatically. Contrary to myth, cats do not land on their feet when falling from heights. The most severe injuries occur when cats fall from second- or third-floor windows.

Dental disease in pets is about so much more than bad breath – and a lot more common than most owners realize. In 2023, 73% of dogs and 64% of cats seen at Banfield were diagnosed with dental-related issues.

Poor oral health can be associated with pain, excessive drooling, bleeding, and reluctance to eat or drink. Periodontal disease, a more serious form of dental disease in pets, may also be linked to other chronic and systemic health problems in the rest of the body, including heart and kidney disease. Research based on Banfield data found:

• Cats with advanced stages of periodontal disease were 1.5x more likely to develop chronic kidney disease
• Dogs with advanced periodontal disease were 2.3x more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and 6.3x more likely to develop endocarditis (infection of a heart valve)

“With the largest pet medical record database in the country, Banfield is dedicated to using our data to share insights to provide better care for pets and advance veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Alea Harrison, chief medical officer of Banfield Pet Hospital. “Oral health is an integral part of a pet’s overall health and wellbeing, and our veterinary teams are committed to partnering with pet owners to find the right professional and at-home care plan for each pet.”

A “most popular” list you don’t want your pet to be part of
Research from Waltham Petcare Science Institute leveraging Banfield data found the size of a dog can impact their susceptibility to oral health issues:

• One study found extra-small dog breeds (<14.3 lbs) were up to five times more likely to be diagnosed with periodontal disease than giant dog breeds (>55 lbs).
• A new paper analyzing the prevalence of “shark teeth,” or persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) in dogs – which can cause bite misalignment and gum disease – found that compared to other breed sizes, PDT was significantly more common in extra-small breeds.

New data from Banfield reinforces these findings. When looking at the most popular dog breeds seen at Banfield last year, 8 out of top 10 breeds with the highest rates of oral-related health concerns were smaller dogs:

The four factors – blood pressure, lipids (cholesterol), body weight and blood sugar level – are part of the Association’s Life’s Essential 8™. These factors are mostly known for their connection to heart health, but they are also important for kidney and metabolic health. Good metabolic health means a person’s body uses energy well, and these factors are in healthy ranges.

CKM syndrome demonstrates how the body’s organs and systems depend on one another. When numbers are off in one area it affects the others, raising a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

“The concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health reinforces how the four health factors are related to each other and how a holistic approach is needed for optimal health. This builds on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 measures, which highlight the importance of the four health factors and four health behaviors to maintain cardiovascular health,” said Sadiya S. Khan, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and a member of the science advisory group for the association’s Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative. The health behaviors in Life’s Essential 8 are healthy eating, physical activity, avoiding tobacco and healthy sleep.

Khan is a Magerstadt Professor of cardiovascular epidemiology, an associate professor of cardiology and preventive medicine at Northwestern School of Medicine in Chicago.

Consider the following ways the four health factors are linked to CKM syndrome, and ways to keep them under control.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

High blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, so getting a blood pressure check is the only way to know if someone has it. Healthy blood pressure is below 120/80. If blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, talk to a health care professional about checking other health factors, too.

Changing what you eat and drink can help lower blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern, which is low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, is proven to lower blood pressure. Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink also reduces blood pressure.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in the liver that circulates in the blood where it’s used to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. Cholesterol also comes from eating animal products. High levels of cholesterol increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

For optimal CKM health, LDL cholesterol should be below 100 and triglycerides below 150. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. If someone’s triglyceride level is 135 or higher, ask a health care professional about reducing risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Losing body weight and increasing physical activity decreases triglyceride levels. In addition, DASH and Mediterranean (plant-based, high-fiber, low-fat) eating patterns support healthy LDL and triglyceride levels.

Body Weight

Healthy weight may be indicated by body mass index (BMI), a number that represents a person’s weight in relation to their height. How a person’s weight is distributed is also important. Excess weight around the waist can mean a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

CKM syndrome starts when BMI is 25 or higher and waist circumference is 35 in. (88 cm) or higher for women and 40 in. (102 cm) or higher for men.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, start by setting realistic goals. Understand how much and why you eat, manage portion sizes, make smart snack substitutions and be physically active.

Blood Sugar

High blood sugar leads to diabetes, which causes kidney damage over time. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Blood sugar is measured in two ways: a fasting blood glucose test (short-term blood sugar) and an A1C test (long-term blood sugar control). Healthy levels are fasting blood glucose of 70-99 and A1C below 5.7%. Fasting blood glucose above 125 or A1C of 6.5% or higher means a person has diabetes.

Habits that help to avoid high blood pressure, weight gain and high cholesterol also keep blood sugar levels in check. These are especially important for people with a family history of diabetes.

In July 2024, the American Heart Association announced the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative with foundational support from Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim to increase awareness, education and treatment for CKM syndrome.

The initiative will be implemented in 15 geographic regions in the U.S, beginning with 150 health care sites where it is expected to impact more than a quarter-million patients.

Learn more about CKM syndrome at heart.org/CKMhealth.

“If you’re not paying close attention, Ozempic can be easily confused with insulin,” said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline. “While some insulin for pets is administered using an autoinjector pen, most is administered using insulin syringes. Because of the explosion of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, however, people have become very familiar with seeing the new autoinjector pens. Since people often store these medications together in the refrigerator, mixing up medications can easily happen and have dire consequences.”

Take the case of a Siberian Husky from Oregon who was accidentally administered multiple doses of Ozempic rather than insulin by her pet sitter. When her owner returned home, the dog was lethargic and vomiting. She was taken to the veterinary hospital, where she was initially treated for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) before the medical team realized that she had been given multiple doses of Ozempic by mistake. She remained hospitalized for two days to receive treatment for the hypoglycemia and provided supportive care. She fortunately made a full recovery.

In another case, Mario the cat was being taken care of by a family member while his owner was on holiday. When the owner returned home, the cat was nearly comatose. Earlier in the week, Mario was accidentally administered at least one, possibly more, doses of Ozempic instead of the intended insulin. When he arrived at the emergency clinic, he was severely hypoglycemic and dehydrated. After consultation between the hospital team and Pet Poison Helpline, Mario was treated with dextrose to help correct the hypoglycemia, intravenous fluids and aggressive nursing care.

There is still a lot to learn about semaglutide’s effects on animals. One-time exposures most commonly result in gastrointestinal upset. The cases mentioned here involved multiple exposures. That, and the fact that these pets have diabetes and are normally on insulin, likely contributed to the severe effects seen with these exposures.

“Many people worry about leaving their pet when they go on vacation,” Dr. Schmid explained. “If you’re planning to leave your pet with a person who does not normally care for that particular pet, it is critical that you carefully go through all of your pet’s medications with them, and thoroughly explain how they are administered. That includes any special food or treats. It is also ideal to move human medication out of sight, so it is not mistaken for the pet’s medication.”

Not all exposures are the result of accidental injections. Curious pets are particularly skilled at finding and chewing on things. For example, a New Mexico wolf hybrid named Akila chewed on an Ozempic pen and ingested some of its contents, resulting in a trip to the emergency room.

“Never leave any medications out where a pet or small child can find them,” warned Dr. Schmid. “Also, keep all pet medications separate from your own as we have experienced many cases where a pet owner accidentally took their pet’s medication, and vice versa.”

Source: Pet Poison Hotline

Cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart malfunctions and abruptly stops beating, is often fatal without quick medical attention such as CPR to increase blood flow to the heart and brain. More than 357,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen each year in the U.S. with a 9.3% survival rate. “Our findings reinforce that every second counts when starting bystander CPR and even a few minutes delay can make a big difference,” said Evan O’Keefe, M.D., the study’s first author and a cardiovascular fellow at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “If you see someone in need of CPR, don’t dwell on how long they’ve been down, your quick actions could save their life.”

The study analyzed nearly 200,000 cases of witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to determine whether initiating CPR within different time windows, compared to outcomes with no bystander CPR administered, made a difference in survival and brain function after hospital discharge.

“We found that people who received bystander CPR within the first few minutes of their cardiac arrest were much more likely to survive and have better brain function than those who didn’t,” O’Keefe said. “The longer it took for CPR to start, the less survival benefit one received. However, even when CPR was started up to 10 minutes after cardiac arrest, there was still a significant survival benefit compared to individuals who did not receive CPR from a bystander.”

Results also found:

• People who received CPR within two minutes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest had an 81% higher rate of survival to release from the hospital and 95% higher rate of surviving without significant brain damage compared to people who did not receive bystander CPR.
• Even people who received bystander CPR up to 10 minutes after cardiac arrest were 19% more likely to survive to hospital discharge and 22% more likely to have a favorable neurological outcome than those who did not receive bystander CPR at all.
• For those who did not receive bystander CPR, about 12% survived to be released from the hospital, and more than 9% survived without significant brain damage or major disabilities. When bystander CPR was initiated more than 10 minutes after cardiac arrest, bystander CPR, compared to not receiving the lifesaving assistance, was no longer associated with improved survival.

“These results highlight the critical importance of quick action in emergencies. It suggests that we need to focus on teaching more people how to perform CPR, and we also need to emphasize ways to get help to those suffering cardiac arrest faster,” O’Keefe said. “This might include more widespread CPR training programs, as well as better public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and improved dispatch systems.”

O’Keefe noted that future research could explore how technology (like apps that alert nearby trained bystanders or alert dispatchers to likely cardiac arrest) may help to reduce the time to first intervention, information that could be important for emergency dispatchers and policymakers in the development of public interventions for cardiac arrest.

“This study highlights the need for prompt recognition and treatment of cardiac arrest by bystanders. Time is of the essence when a cardiac arrest occurs, and late interventions can be as ineffective as no intervention. Community education and empowerment are critical for us to save lives,” said American Heart Association volunteer expert Anezi Uzendu, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a cardiac arrest survivor.

The American Heart Association urges everyone learn the lifesaving skills of CPR and join its Nation of Lifesavers®, a movement to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030. Being ready to act quickly could be the difference of life or death for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.

A limitation of the study includes that the average time of arrival for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to the person having cardiac arrest was roughly 10 minutes. This means that in this study, the people who received bystander CPR 10 minutes after their cardiac arrest were likely being compared to a group receiving professional medical attention.

Current heartworm treatments for dogs come with the risk of complications such as pain, fever, blood clots, and more. Thanks to funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), investigators at the University of Illinois are exploring a new class of drugs to treat this deadly parasite (CHF Grant 02986: Catechol O-Methyltransferase as a Molecular Drug Target in Heartworm).

Investigators identified an enzyme, called DiMT, that is found in nematode worms (like heartworms) but NOT in mammals. This enzyme inactivates a group of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines, preventing them from building up inside the worm. This function is critical since a build-up of catecholamines prevents the worm from moving, feeding, or reproducing and will lead to worm death.

Could drugs that disable the DiMT enzyme be used to kill worms and treat heartworm infection in dogs? To find out, CHF-funded investigators tested thousands of compounds known to disable enzymes similar to DiMT. They identified three compounds that were increasingly effective at killing heartworms based on the concentration exposure – that is, greater compound exposure resulted in greater worm death. They also tested these three compounds in various combinations and found that they acted synergistically – having a greater effect in combination than when given alone. This is helpful since it allows the use of lower doses of each compound, reducing the risk of adverse effects or the development of parasite resistance.

The DiMT enzyme is a promising target for a new class of drugs to treat heartworm infection in dogs. Since dogs do not have this enzyme, the risk for adverse effects during treatment should be low. This research was completed using immature heartworms extracted from canine blood samples. Future studies will explore how effectively this class of drugs treats naturally infected dogs. If successful, veterinarians will have a safer and more effective tool to treat canine heartworm infections in the coming years. Learn more about ongoing CHF-funded research into heartworm diagnosis and treatment at akcchf.org/immunologyRPA.

From AKC Canine Health Foundation