Amlodipine decreases mitral regurgitation volume in dogs over 7 days: A study of 24 dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration

Abstract

BackgroundAmlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium‐channel blocker, is currently being investigated as a treatment for myxomatous mitral valvular degeneration (MMVD). However, the effects of amlodipine on moderate or severe spontaneous MMVD, based on changes in echocardiographic indices, remain unclear.AnimalsClient‐owned small‐breed dogs (n = 24) with naturally occurring MMVD of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage B2 or higher.MethodsBasic dog information including previous medication treatments were recorded. All subjects received amlodipine 0.1 mg/kg, administered per os, twice daily for 7 days, in addition to their existing medication. We measured systolic blood pressure, obtained x‐ray, echocardiography, blood test data before and after 1 week of amlodipine administration.ResultsLeft ventricular end‐diastolic internal diameter, left atrial diameter and E wave reduced statistically after 1 week of amlodipine treatment (all p < 0.001). No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that low‐dose amlodipine should be considered as treatment for dogs with ACVIM stage B2‒C MMVD.