Inflammatory and immune variables as predictors of survival in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between selected inflammatory and immune variables and survival of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). We evaluated data of 62 client-owned dogs with MMVD, grouped into preclinical, stable congestive heart failure (CHF) and unstable CHF. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to quantify the association of white blood cell count, concentrations and percentages of T lymphocytes and their subtypes (T helper lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, double positive T lymphocytes, double negative T lymphocytes) and B lymphocytes with survival.

Effects of Coenzyme Q Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers, Inflammatory Markers, Lymphocyte Subpopulations, and Clinical Status in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease.

Scarce data exist on the effects of coenzyme Q (CoQ) supplementation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CoQ supplementation on oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase, F2-isoprostanes), markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF soluble receptor II, leucocytes, and their subtypes), lymphocyte subpopulations (T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, including activated T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes), and echocardiographic and clinical parameters in dogs with MMVD. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, longitudinal study, 43 MMVD dogs in stages ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine classification) B2 and ACVIM C and D (congestive heart failure (CHF)) received water-soluble coenzyme Q (100 mg twice daily) or placebo for 3 months, and 12 non-supplemented healthy dogs served as controls.

Peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes in dogs with different stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Background: Data on alterations in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) subtypes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is lacking.

Objectives: To investigate PBL subtypes and their correlation with parameters of inflammation and MMVD progression markers in dogs with different stages of MMVD.

Animals: Seventy-eight client-owned dogs: 65 with MMVD (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine [ACVIM] classification stages B2, C, and D) and 13 healthy controls.

Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the effects of coenzyme Q supplementation on plasma coenzyme Q concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Objective: To determine the dose of coenzyme Q (CoQ) needed to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Animals: 18 dogs with CHF due to MMVD and 12 healthy dogs.

Procedures: In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, dogs with MMVD were given 50 or 100 mg of water-soluble CoQ (ubiquinone; total daily dose, 100 mg [n = 5] or 200 mg [6]) or a placebo (7), PO, twice a day for 2 weeks in addition to regular cardiac treatment.