Background

Benazepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, is one of the most often used drugs in dogs with chronic degenerative valvular diseases (CDVD).

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of benazepril on the M-mode echocardiographic indices in dogs with CDVD (classification β / X).

Materials and Methods

Eight client-owned dogs presented with clinical signs related to CDVD were investigated. The diagnosis of heart failure was based on clinical signs, chest radiographs, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. The M-mode echocardiographic indices were measured before and two-month after benazepril administration. After benazepril administration (0.1 mg/Kg/day), clinical signs associated with heart failure, including cough, respiratory effort, appetite, and exercise endurance, were evaluated by both clients and veterinarians.

Results

Significant differences of the before and after benazepril administered were noted in echocardiographic indices including end-systolic left ventricular diameter (p = 0.01) and ratio of left atrium to aorta (p = 0.01). No substantial changes of fractional shortening, ejection fraction, end-diastolic diameter, and E-point septal separation were found to be related to benazepril administered. Clinical improvement was clearly recognized in all dogs (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The result of this investigation indicated that benazepril (0.1 mg/Kg per day) was able to improve end-systolic atrial and ventricular indices assessed using M-mode echocardiography in dogs with CDVD.