Thiamine Levels in Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure secondary to degenerative mitral Valve Disease

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting dogs newly diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) and mitral valve disease (MVD) for a study evaluating thiamine levels before and after initiation of furosemide (Lasix) therapy.

Enrollment Criteria: Enrolling

• Inclusion Criteria: Dogs that have CHF and MVD before and have not yet started furosemide therapy.

• Exclusion Criteria: Dogs with severe GI disease or other reasons for thiamine deficiency.

• Treatment: Your dog is eligible for this study if he or she has been diagnosed with CHF secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease based on imaging diagnostic tests in the ER or ICU (chest x-rays +/- echocardiogram). After enrollment, we will draw blood (less than 1 tsp) from either a catheter or vein a to measure thiamine levels. In patients with newly diagnosed with CHF, we may request a return visit for repeat thiamine levels 4-8 weeks after the initial blood draw. No other interventions and no treatments will be performed on your pet as part of the study. Any other care your pet receives will be part of your pet’s standard of care treatment and will be discussed with you by your pet’s doctor.

• Cost: The study will cover the cost of the additional blood (thiamine level) testing. No other cost benefit is provided.

• Contact: Dr. Jake Wolf, 352-392-2235.

• PI: Dr. Jake Wolf and Dr. Bruna Del Nero

Background: The purpose of this study is to look at blood measurements of thiamine (vitamin B1) in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Thiamine deficiency has the potential to worsen heart function, so we are investigating whether thiamine levels are below normal in dogs that are receiving diuretic treatment (specifically with furosemide) for CHF. This will possibly help us identify dogs that are at risk for thiamine deficiency, which might lead to changes in treatment for these dogs.