Subacute echocardiographic effects of ACE inhibitors in the dogs with severe mitral regurgitation

The effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors benazepril (13), enalapril (E), and ramipril (R) on the function, geometry, and dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) in the dogs with naturally acquired severe mitral regurgitation (MR) were evaluated by echocardiography. Thirty-two dogs, aged 8-16 years and weighing 10-12 kg, with fractional shortening (FS) >50% were included into the Study. Benazepril (0.5mg/kg/d), enalapril (0.5mg/kg/d), and ramipril (0.5mg/kg/d) were administered orally to B, E, and R groups, respectively. Furosemide (2mg/kg/d) was administered orally for conventional heart failure therapy. Physical, radiographic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations were performed before treatment and oil day 7 after the treatment. A decrease in the left ventricle end diastolic diameter (LVEDd) in groups E and R and in end diastolic volume (EDV) in group E was considerable during the subacute period (P<0.05). The stroke volume (S V) significantly decreased ill groups E and R (P<0.01), whereas group B dogs had a mild decrease (P<0.05). FS and ejection fraction (EF) that were higher before treatment decreased significantly in all groups after the treatment (P