@article{whelchel_palerme_tou_ward_2023, title={Retrospective evaluation of the etiology and clinical characteristics of peripheral edema in dogs}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.16815}, abstractNote={Abstract}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Whelchel, Bradley D. and Palerme, Jean-Sebastien and Tou, Sandy P. and Ward, Jessica L.}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{walker_defrancesco_bonagura_keene_meurs_tou_kurtz_aona_barron_mcmanamey_et al._2022, title={Association of diet with clinical outcomes in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure*}, volume={40}, ISSN={["1875-0834"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2021.02.001}, abstractNote={Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been associated with feeding of grain-free (GF), legume-rich diets. Some dogs with presumed diet-associated DCM have shown improved myocardial function and clinical outcomes following a change in diet and standard medical therapy. Prior GF (pGF) diet influences reverse cardiac remodeling and clinical outcomes in dogs with DCM and congestive heart failure (CHF). A retrospective study was performed with 67 dogs with DCM and CHF for which diet history was known. Dogs were grouped by diet into pGF and grain-inclusive (GI) groups. Dogs in the pGF group were included if diet change was a component of therapy. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and the Cox proportional-hazards model. The median survival time was 344 days for pGF dogs vs. 253 days for GI dogs (P = 0.074). Statistically significant differences in median survival were identified when the analysis was limited to dogs surviving longer than one week (P = 0.033). Prior GF dogs had a significantly worse outcome the longer a GF diet was fed prior to diagnosis (P = 0.004) or if they were diagnosed at a younger age (P = 0.017). Prior GF dogs showed significantly greater improvement in normalized left ventricular internal diastolic diameter (P = 0.038) and E-point septal separation (P = 0.031) measurements and significant decreases in their furosemide (P = 0.009) and pimobendan (P < 0.005) dosages over time compared to GI dogs. Prior GF dogs that survived at least one week after diagnosis of DCM, treatment of CHF, and diet change had better clinical outcomes and showed reverse ventricular remodeling compared to GI dogs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY}, author={Walker, A. L. and DeFrancesco, T. C. and Bonagura, J. D. and Keene, B. W. and Meurs, K. M. and Tou, S. P. and Kurtz, K. and Aona, B. and Barron, L. and McManamey, A. and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Apr}, pages={99–109} }
 @article{meurs_williams_deprospero_friedenberg_malarkey_ezzell_keene_adin_defrancesco_tou_2021, title={A deleterious mutation in the ALMS1 gene in a naturally occurring model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat}, volume={16}, ISSN={["1750-1172"]}, DOI={10.1186/s13023-021-01740-5}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES}, author={Meurs, Kathryn M. and Williams, Brian G. and DeProspero, Dylan and Friedenberg, Steven G. and Malarkey, David E. and Ezzell, J. Ashley and Keene, Bruce W. and Adin, Darcy B. and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Tou, Sandra}, year={2021}, month={Feb} }
 @article{k. o'donnell_adin_atkins_defrancesco_keene_tou_meurs_2021, title={Absence of known feline MYH7 and MYBPC3 variants in a diverse cohort of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy}, volume={52}, ISSN={["1365-2052"]}, DOI={10.1111/age.13074}, abstractNote={Summary}, number={4}, journal={ANIMAL GENETICS}, author={K. O'Donnell and Adin, D. and Atkins, C. E. and DeFrancesco, T. and Keene, B. W. and Tou, S. and Meurs, K. M.}, year={2021}, month={Aug}, pages={542–544} }
 @misc{atkins_keene_defrancesco_tou_chetboul_cote_ettinger_fox_hamlin_mochel_et al._2021, title={Letter to the editor regarding "Efficacy of adding ramipril (VAsotop) to the combination of furosemide (Lasix) and pimobendan (VEtmedin) in dogs with mitral valve degeneration: The VALVE trial"}, volume={35}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.16035}, abstractNote={Dear Editors, The manuscript entitled Efficacy of adding ramipril (VAsotop) to the combination of furosemide (Lasix) and pimobendan (VEtmedin) in dogs with mitral valve degeneration: The VALVE trial reports a study which sought to answer the question “could pimobendan be all that is needed beyond loop diuretics to manage congestive heart failure (CHF) in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)?” This was done by prospectively comparing the efficacy of pimobendan + ramipril + furosemide (triple treatment) to pimobendan + furosemide (double treatment) to treat new-onset CHF caused by MMVD. While agreeing with the authors that this question has merit, we share several comments and questions regarding applicability of their study results to current practice. During the VALVE trial, worsening signs of CHF were primarily managed with progressively larger diuretic dosages, as opposed to other potential pharmacological interventions such as greater renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) suppression, alternative diuretic use, higher pimobendan dosing, and arterial vasodilator treatment. While the angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) ramipril (VASOTOP) was begun at a once daily dosage according to label recommendation, the initial furosemide dosage (median, 8 mg/kg/d), high by current clinical standards, was increased to as much as 15 mg/kg/d, before predefined treatment failure was reached; ramipril dosage was increased (doubled) in only 3 dogs. Spironolactone dosing was left to the clinicians' discretion (added to baseline treatment in only 13 dogs, 8 in the triple treatment group, and 5 dogs in the double treatment group). The VALVE trial did not assess the efficacy of RAAS suppression using biomarkers. Therefore, the question of whether ramipril adequately or optimally suppressed RAAS, while failing to improve survival in the face of these diuretic dosages, remains unanswered. We are also concerned that dogs in both treatment groups received ACEI for an average of 9 months before entering the study (44% of triple treatment group vs 26% of double treatment group; P = .02), indicating that over one-quarter of the double treatment group (the no ACEI group) previously had received an ACEI—and for a duration longer than the median 7.6 months that these dogs remained in the study. This is important because it is known that RAAS suppression before the onset of CHF has favorable effects on cardiac remodeling. Although unknowable by the authors at the time of the VALVE trial design, other studies completed during the 10-year duration of the VALVE trial have demonstrated significant benefit from greater, longer, and more broad-spectrum RAAS suppression (eg, higher or q12h ACEI dosing and mineralocorticoid antagonist [MRA] inclusion) in treating proteinuria and CHF. Because the VALVE trial was performed under Good Clinical Practice guidelines, owner adherence to the trial protocol was quantified. It would be useful to know whether those measurements identified “adherence parity” between the 2 treatment groups, thus eliminating 1 potential source of unintentional bias. Ramipril, a narrow-spectrum RAAS suppressant (ie, it causes no direct MRA effect), was tested as an “add-on” to drugs providing symptomatic relief (pimobendan and furosemide). Although the absence of an MRA as part of the test article is understandable because of the timing of the VALVE study design, its absence impairs our understanding of the potential role that true RAAS suppression (ie, more RAAS suppression than ACE inhibition alone) might play in managing CHF caused by MMVD. It is now known that incomplete RAAS suppression (aldosterone breakthrough) is common with either ACEI or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) in normal dogs challenged with furosemide or amlodipine; with ACEI in natural MMVD before CHF (without furosemide); and in MMVD with CHF in dogs receiving ACEI and furosemide. Furthermore, inclusion of MRAs in therapeutic protocols has improved survival in CHF caused by MMVD. Although it has not been directly investigated, it is likely that the high doses of furosemide used in the VALVE Trial, with greater RAAS stimulatory potential, enhanced the propensity for aldosterone breakthrough. In dogs treated with ACEI and ARBs, there is an estimated 30% to 40% incidence of aldosterone breakthrough at conventional furosemide dosages, and a proportional clinical benefit is seen with broad-spectrum RAAS suppression. For this Received: 11 January 2021 Accepted: 12 January 2021}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Atkins, Clarke and Keene, Bruce and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Tou, Sandra and Chetboul, Valerie and Cote, Etienne and Ettinger, Stephen and Fox, Philip R. and Hamlin, Robert L. and Mochel, Jonathan P. and et al.}, year={2021}, month={Mar}, pages={698–699} }
 @article{deprospero_kerry a. o'donnell_defrancesco_keene_tou_adin_atkins_meurs_2021, title={Myxomatous mitral valve disease in Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers: 134 cases (2007-2016)}, volume={259}, ISSN={["1943-569X"]}, DOI={10.2460/javma.20.05.0291}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={12}, journal={JAVMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={DeProspero, Dylan J. and Kerry A. O'Donnell and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Keene, Bruce W. and Tou, Sandra P. and Adin, Darcy B. and Atkins, Clarke E. and Meurs, Kathryn M.}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={1428–1432} }
 @article{williams_friedenberg_keene_tou_defrancesco_meurs_2021, title={Use of whole genome analysis to identify shared genomic variants across breeds in canine mitral valve disease}, volume={6}, ISSN={["1432-1203"]}, DOI={10.1007/s00439-021-02297-w}, abstractNote={Familial mitral valve prolapse in human beings has been associated with several genetic variants; however, in most cases, a known variant has not been identified. Dogs also have a naturally occurring form of familial mitral valve disease (MMVD) with similarities to the human disease. A shared genetic background and clinical phenotype of this disease in some dog breeds has indicated that the disease may share a common genetic cause. We evaluated DNA from 50 affected dogs from five different dog breeds in a whole genome sequencing approach to identify shared variants across and within breeds that could be associated with MMVD. No single causative genetic mutation was found from the 50 dogs with MMVD. Ten variants were identified in 37/50 dogs around and within the MED13L gene. These variants were no longer associated with MMVD when evaluated with a larger cohort including both affected and unaffected dogs. No high/moderate impact variants were identified in 10/10 miniature poodles, one was identified in 10/10 Yorkshire Terriers and 10/10 dachshunds, respectively, 14 were identified in 10/10 Miniature schnauzers, and 19 in 10/10 CKCS. Only one of these could be associated with the cardiac valve (Chr12:36801705, COL12A1; CKCS) but when evaluated in an additional 100 affected CKCS the variant was only identified in 84/100 affected dogs, perhaps indicating genetic heterogeneity in this disease. Our findings indicate that development of MMVD in the dog may be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors that impact specific molecular pathways rather than a single shared genetic variant across or within breeds.}, journal={HUMAN GENETICS}, author={Williams, Brian and Friedenberg, Steven G. and Keene, Bruce W. and Tou, Sandy P. and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Meurs, Kathryn M.}, year={2021}, month={Jun} }
 @article{adin_atkins_domenig_defrancesco_keene_tou_stern_meurs_2020, title={Renin-angiotensin aldosterone profile before and after angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor administration in dogs with angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15746}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.15746}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Adin, Darcy and Atkins, Clarke and Domenig, Oliver and DeFrancesco, Teresa and Keene, Bruce and Tou, Sandra and Stern, Joshua A. and Meurs, Kathryn M.}, year={2020}, month={Mar}, pages={600–606} }
 @article{ward_kussin_tropf_tou_defrancesco_keene_2020, title={Retrospective evaluation of the safety and tolerability of pimobendan in cats with obstructive vs nonobstructive cardiomyopathy}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15920}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.15920}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Ward, Jessica L. and Kussin, Efrem Z. and Tropf, Melissa A. and Tou, Sandra P. and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Keene, Bruce W.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={2211–2222} }
 @article{meurs_friedenberg_kolb_saripalli_tonino_woodruff_olby_keene_adin_yost_et al._2019, title={A missense variant in the titin gene in Doberman pinscher dogs with familial dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death}, volume={138}, ISSN={0340-6717 1432-1203}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00439-019-01973-2}, DOI={10.1007/s00439-019-01973-2}, abstractNote={The dog provides a large animal model of familial dilated cardiomyopathy for the study of important aspects of this common familial cardiovascular disease. We have previously demonstrated a form of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher breed that is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is associated with a splice site variant in the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) gene, however, genetic heterogeneity exists in this species as well and not all affected dogs have the PDK4 variant. Whole genome sequencing of a family of Doberman pinchers with dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death without the PDK4 variant was performed. A pathologic missense variant in the titin gene located in an immunoglobulin-like domain in the I-band spanning region of the molecule was identified and was highly associated with the disease (p < 0.0001). We demonstrate here the identification of a variant in the titin gene highly associated with the disease in this spontaneous canine model of dilated cardiomyopathy. This large animal model of familial dilated cardiomyopathy shares many similarities with the human disease including mode of inheritance, clinical presentation, genetic heterogeneity and a pathologic variant in the titin gene. The dog is an excellent model to improve our understanding of the genotypic phenotypic relationships, penetrance, expression and the pathophysiology of variants in the titin gene.}, number={5}, journal={Human Genetics}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Meurs, Kathryn M. and Friedenberg, Steven G. and Kolb, Justin and Saripalli, Chandra and Tonino, Paola and Woodruff, Kathleen and Olby, Natasha J. and Keene, Bruce W. and Adin, Darcy B. and Yost, Oriana L. and et al.}, year={2019}, month={Feb}, pages={515–524} }
 @article{adin_defrancesco_keene_tou_meurs_atkins_aona_kurtz_barron_saker_et al._2019, title={Echocardiographic phenotype of canine dilated cardiomyopathy differs based on diet type}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1875-0834"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2018.11.002}, abstractNote={Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can result from numerous etiologies including genetic mutations, infections, toxins, and nutritional imbalances. This study sought to characterize differences in echocardiographic findings between dogs with DCM fed grain-free (GF) diets and grain-based (GB) diets.Forty-eight dogs with DCM and known diet history.This was a retrospective analysis of dogs with DCM from January 1, 2015 to May 1, 2018 with a known diet history. Dogs were grouped by diet (GF and GB), and the GF group was further divided into dogs eating the most common grain-free diet (GF-1) and other grain-free diets (GF-o). Demographics, diet history, echocardiographic parameters, taurine concentrations, and vertebral heart scale were compared between GB, all GF, GF-1, and GF-o groups at diagnosis and recheck.Dogs eating GF-1 weighed less than GB and GF-o dogs, but age and sex were not different between groups. Left ventricular size in diastole and systole was greater, and sphericity index was less for GF-1 compared with GB dogs. Diastolic left ventricular size was greater for all GF compared with that of GB dogs. Fractional shortening, left atrial size, and vertebral heart scale were not different between groups. Taurine deficiency was not identified in GF dogs, and presence of congestive heart failure was not different between groups. Seven dogs that were reevaluated after diet change (6 received taurine supplementation) had clinical and echocardiographic improvement.Dietary-associated DCM occurs with some GF diets and can improve with nutritional management, including diet change. The role of taurine supplementation, even without deficiency, is uncertain.}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY}, author={Adin, Darcy and DeFrancesco, Teresa and Keene, Bruce and Tou, Sandra and Meurs, Kathryn and Atkins, Clarke and Aona, Brent and Kurtz, Kari and Barron, Lara and Saker, Korinn and et al.}, year={2019}, month={Feb}, pages={1–9} }
 @article{meurs_adin_k. o'donnell_keene_atkins_defrancesco_tou_2019, title={Myxomatous mitral valve disease in the miniature poodle: A retrospective study}, volume={244}, ISSN={["1532-2971"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.12.019}, abstractNote={Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiovascular disease in the dog. The natural history of the disease is wide ranging and includes patients without clinical signs as well as those with significant clinical consequences from cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension and/or congestive heart failure. The factors that determine which dogs remain asymptomatic and which develop clinical disease are not known. Disease characteristics could be breed or family related; some breeds of dogs, particularly the Cavalier King Charles spaniels, develop MMVD at an early age. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively characterize MMVD in the miniature poodle, a commonly affected breed in which MMVD has not been well characterized. Thirty-two miniature poodles met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 11±three years. Clinical signs included exercise intolerance, syncope and coughing. Eighteen dogs were classified as ACVIM Stage B1, 12 as stage B2, and two as stage C. Mean vertebral heart scale (VHS) was 10.2 (±standard deviation of 0.9); 15 of 28 dogs had a VHS <10.3. One dog had radiographic evidence of congestive heart failure. Mean diastolic left ventricle dimension normalized to body weight was 1.6 (±0.4) and mean systolic was 0.8 (±0.3). Mitral valve prolapse was subjectively classified as mild or moderate in 19 dogs and severe in two. In the miniature poodles reported here, MMVD appears to be a fairly late onset disease and often is a mild phenotype.}, journal={VETERINARY JOURNAL}, author={Meurs, K. M. and Adin, D. and K. O'Donnell and Keene, B. W. and Atkins, C. E. and DeFrancesco, T. and Tou, S.}, year={2019}, month={Feb}, pages={94–97} }
 @article{meurs_friedenberg_williams_keene_atkins_adin_aona_defrancesco_tou_mackay_et al._2018, title={Evaluation of genes associated with human myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs with familial myxomatous mitral valve degeneration}, volume={232}, ISSN={["1532-2971"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.12.002}, abstractNote={Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in the dog. It is believed to be heritable in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) and Dachshunds. Myxomatous mitral valve disease is a familial disease in human beings as well and genetic mutations have been associated with its development. We hypothesized that a genetic mutation associated with the development of the human form of MMVD was associated with the development of canine MMVD. DNA was isolated from blood samples from 10 CKCS and 10 Dachshunds diagnosed with MMVD, and whole genome sequences from each animal were obtained. Variant calling from whole genome sequencing data was performed using a standardized bioinformatics pipeline for all samples. After filtering, the canine genes orthologous to the human genes known to be associated with MMVD were identified and variants were assessed for likely pathogenic implications. No variant was found in any of the genes evaluated that was present in least eight of 10 affected CKCS or Dachshunds. Although mitral valve disease in the CKCS and Dachshund is a familial disease, we did not identify genetic cause in the genes responsible for the human disease in the dogs studied here.}, journal={VETERINARY JOURNAL}, author={Meurs, Kathryn and Friedenberg, S. G. and Williams, B. and Keene, B. W. and Atkins, C. E. and Adin, D. and Aona, B. and DeFrancesco, Teresa and Tou, S. and Mackay, T. and et al.}, year={2018}, month={Feb}, pages={16–19} }
 @article{ward_lisciandro_keene_tou_defrancesco_2017, title={Accuracy of point-of-care lung ultrasonography for the diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs and cats with acute dyspnea}, volume={250}, ISSN={["1943-569X"]}, DOI={10.2460/javma.250.6.666}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={6}, journal={JAVMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Ward, Jessica L. and Lisciandro, Gregory R. and Keene, Bruce W. and Tou, Sandra P. and DeFrancesco, Teresa C.}, year={2017}, month={Mar}, pages={666–675} }
 @article{meurs_stern_atkins_adin_aona_condit_defrancesco_reina-doreste_keene_tou_et al._2017, title={Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and inhibition in dogs with cardiac disease and an angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1752-8976"]}, url={https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5843865}, DOI={10.1177/1470320317737184}, abstractNote={Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in dogs and with and without an ACE polymorphism in the canine ACE gene, before and after treatment with an ACE inhibitor. Methods: Thirty-one dogs (20 wild-type, 11 ACE polymorphism) with heart disease were evaluated with ACE activity measurement and systolic blood pressure before and after administration of an ACE inhibitor (enalapril). Results: Median pre-treatment ACE activity was significantly lower for ACE polymorphism dogs than for dogs with the wild-type sequence (P=0.007). After two weeks of an ACE inhibitor, ACE activity was significantly reduced for both genotypes (wild-type, P<0.0001; ACE polymorphism P=0.03); mean post-therapy ACE activity was no different between the groups. Conclusion: An ACE polymorphism is associated with lower levels of ACE activity. Dogs with the polymorphism still experience suppression of ACE activity in response to an ACE inhibitor. It is possible that the genetic status and ACE activity of dogs may impact the response of dogs with this variant to an ACE inhibitor.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM}, author={Meurs, Kathryn M. and Stern, Joshua A. and Atkins, Clarke E. and Adin, Darcy and Aona, Brent and Condit, Julia and DeFrancesco, Teresa and Reina-Doreste, Yamir and Keene, Bruce W. and Tou, Sandy and et al.}, year={2017}, month={Oct} }
 @article{bascunan_mankin_saunders_bright_scharf_singh_l. o'sullivan_brisson_estrada_tou_et al._2017, title={Patent ductus arteriosus in cats (Felis catus): 50 cases (2000-2015)}, volume={19}, ISSN={["1875-0834"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2016.10.002}, abstractNote={To describe signalment, clinical characteristics, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data in a large case series of cats with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).Fifty cats with confirmed PDA.Retrospective review of medical records from five referral veterinary hospitals for cats with PDA between 2000 and 2015. Cats were included if a PDA was visualized echocardiographically, during surgery, or on post-mortem examination.Median age at presentation was 6 months (range: 36 days-9.7 years; n = 50), and sex distribution was approximately equal (27 male, 23 female). Most cats did not have clinical signs (70.2%; 33/47) at the time of presentation. Murmurs were classified as continuous (55%; 22/40) or systolic (45%; 18/40). Echocardiography confirmed left-to-right shunting in 33 cats (82.5%; 33/40) and right-to-left shunting in 7 (17.5%; 7/40). Concurrent cardiac anomalies were identified in 54.5% (18/33) and pulmonary hypertension in 45.7% (16/35). Closure was pursued in 68% (34/50), and complications associated with the procedure occurred in 14.7% (5/34) of cats, including one intraoperative mortality. Long-term follow up was available in 80% (40/50) of cats.Cats with PDA often do not display clinical signs and may not have the characteristic physical examination findings typical of PDA in dogs. An increased prevalence of concurrent cardiac anomalies and pulmonary hypertension were found relative to previous reports. Thoracic radiographs and echocardiogram may provide the most comprehensive information for making a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. PDA closure was associated with a favorable long-term outcome in cats included in this study.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY}, author={Bascunan, A. and Mankin, K. M. Thieman and Saunders, A. B. and Bright, J. M. and Scharf, V. and Singh, A. and L. O'Sullivan and Brisson, B. and Estrada, A. H. and Tou, S. P. and et al.}, year={2017}, month={Feb}, pages={35–43} }
 @article{nolan_arkans_lavine_defrancesco_myers_griffith_posner_keene_tou_gieger_et al._2017, title={Pilot study to determine the feasibility of radiation therapy for dogs with right atrial masses and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion}, volume={19}, ISSN={1760-2734}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2016.12.001}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2016.12.001}, abstractNote={To determine the short-term safety and biologic activity of radiation therapy (RT) for presumptive cardiac hemangiosarcoma in pet dogs.Six dogs with echocardiographic evidence of a right atrial/auricular mass, and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, were enrolled in a prospective, single-arm clinical trial.A single fraction of 12 Gy was delivered using conformal external beam irradiation. Serum cardiac troponin I and plasma concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor were quantified before, 4 and 24 h after RT. The frequency of required pericardiocenteses (quantified as the number of pericardiocenteses per week) before RT was compared to that after treatment. Overall survival time was determined.No treatment-related complications were observed. Pericardiocentesis was performed an average of 0.91 times per week before RT, and an average of 0.21 times per week after RT; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.03, as compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test of paired data). Pre- and post-treatment plasma vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were not significantly different at any time point; there was a statistically significant (p=0.04; Friedman's test for non-parametric repeated measures) increase in cardiac troponin concentrations 4 h after irradiation. Median overall survival time was 79 days.In this population of dogs, RT was delivered without complication, and appears to have reduced the frequency of periacardial tamponade that necessitated pericardiocentesis. Serum cardiac troponin levels are altered after RT. RT alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, may provide clinical benefit to dogs with presumptive diagnoses of cardiac hemangiosarcoma.}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Cardiology}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Nolan, M.W. and Arkans, M.M. and LaVine, D. and DeFrancesco, Teresa and Myers, J.A. and Griffith, E.H. and Posner, L.P. and Keene, B.W. and Tou, S.P. and Gieger, Tracy and et al.}, year={2017}, month={Apr}, pages={132–143} }
 @article{ward_defrancesco_tou_atkins_griffith_keene_2016, title={Outcome and survival in canine sick sinus syndrome and sinus node dysfunction: 93 cases (2002-2014)}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1875-0834"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2016.04.004}, abstractNote={To evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of a group of dogs with sinoatrial node abnormalities.Ninety-three client-owned dogs at a referral institution.Medical records were reviewed for clinical history, diagnostic testing, and medical or permanent artificial pacemaker (PAP) treatment. Owners or veterinarians were contacted for long-term follow-up.Sixty-one dogs were symptomatic for their bradyarrhythmia and were diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). Thirty-two dogs were asymptomatic for their bradyarrhythmia and were diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction (SND). Miniature Schnauzers, West Highland White terriers, Cocker spaniels, and female dogs were overrepresented. Medical management with positive chronotropic drugs successfully controlled syncope long-term in 54% of SSS dogs, and acted as a bridge to PAP in 20%. Positive atropine response predicted medical treatment success. Forty-six percent of SSS dogs eventually underwent PAP implantation. Median survival time was approximately 18 months in SND and SSS dogs regardless of treatment strategy. Congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with progressive valvular heart disease occurred commonly in all groups, particularly in dogs with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome.Sinus node dysfunction and SSS represent a spectrum of sinoatrial node disease, which for some dogs may also involve a component of autonomic dysfunction. Dogs with SND do not require treatment. Dogs with SSS often require treatment to reduce the frequency of syncope; medical management is often useful, particularly in atropine responsive dogs. Prognosis of SSS with treatment is good, though development of CHF does not appear to be mitigated by treatment.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY}, author={Ward, J. L. and DeFrancesco, T. C. and Tou, S. P. and Atkins, C. E. and Griffith, E. H. and Keene, B. W.}, year={2016}, month={Sep}, pages={199–212} }
 @article{schneider_coleman_guo_tou_keene_kornegay_2016, title={Suspected acute myocardial infarction in a dystrophin-deficient dog}, volume={26}, ISSN={["1873-2364"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.nmd.2016.02.005}, abstractNote={Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is a model for the genetically homologous human disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Unlike the mildly affected mdx mouse, GRMD recapitulates the severe DMD phenotype. In addition to skeletal muscle involvement, DMD boys develop cardiomyopathy. While the cardiomyopathy of DMD is typically slowly progressive, rare early episodes of acute cardiac decompensation, compatible with myocardial infarction, have been described. We report here a 7-month-old GRMD dog with an apparent analogous episode of myocardial infarction. The dog presented with acute signs of cardiac disease, including tachyarrhythmia, supraventricular premature complexes, and femoral pulse deficits. Serum cardiac biomarkers, cardiac-specific troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), were markedly increased. Echocardiography showed areas of hyperechoic myocardial enhancement, typical of GRMD cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular dyskinesis and elevated cTnI were suggestive of acute myocardial damage/infarction. Over a 3-year period, progression to a severe dilated phenotype was observed.}, number={6}, journal={NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS}, author={Schneider, Sarah Morar and Coleman, Amanda Erickson and Guo, Lee-Jae and Tou, Sandra and Keene, Bruce W. and Kornegay, Joe N.}, year={2016}, month={Jun}, pages={361–366} }
 @article{ward_defrancesco_tou_atkins_griffith_keene_2015, title={Complication Rates Associated with Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation in Dogs with High-Grade Atrioventricular Block Performed During versus After Normal Business Hours}, volume={29}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.12512}, abstractNote={BackgroundTransvenous pacemaker implantation in dogs is associated with a relatively high complication rate. At our institution, pacemaker implantation in dogs with high‐grade atrioventricular block (HG‐AVB) frequently is performed as an after‐hours emergency.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Ward, J. L. and DeFrancesco, T. C. and Tou, S. P. and Atkins, C. E. and Griffith, E. H. and Keene, B. W.}, year={2015}, pages={157–163} }
 @article{keene_tou_2015, title={Cor triatriatum}, journal={Veterinary Image-Guided Interventions}, author={Keene, B. W. and Tou, S. P.}, year={2015}, pages={604–609} }
 @article{reina-doreste_stern_keene_tou_atkins_defrancesco_ames_hodge_meurs_2014, title={Case-control study of the effects of pimobendan on survival time in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure}, volume={245}, ISSN={["1943-569X"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.245.5.534}, DOI={10.2460/javma.245.5.534}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={5}, journal={JAVMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Reina-Doreste, Yamir and Stern, Joshua A. and Keene, Bruce W. and Tou, Sandra P. and Atkins, Clarke E. and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Ames, Marisa K. and Hodge, Timothy E. and Meurs, Kathryn M.}, year={2014}, month={Sep}, pages={534–539} }
 @article{meurs_stern_sisson_kittleson_cunningham_ames_atkins_defrancesco_hodge_keene_et al._2013, title={Association of Dilated Cardiomyopathy with the Striatin Mutation Genotype in Boxer Dogs}, volume={27}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, url={https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/jvim.12163}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.12163}, abstractNote={BackgroundMyocardial disease in the Boxer dog is characterized by 1 of 2 clinical presentations, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilatation and tachyarrhythmias, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) characterized by ventricular tachyarrhythmias, syncope, and sudden death. Boxer ARVC has been associated with a deletion in the striatin gene in some families.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Meurs, K. M. and Stern, J. A. and Sisson, D. D. and Kittleson, M. D. and Cunningham, S. M. and Ames, M. K. and Atkins, C. E. and DeFrancesco, T. and Hodge, T. E. and Keene, B. W. and et al.}, year={2013}, month={Nov}, pages={1437–1440} }
 @article{stern_tou_barker_hill_lodge_mathews_keene_2013, title={Hybrid cutting balloon dilatation for treatment of cor triatriatum sinister in a cat}, volume={15}, ISSN={["1875-0834"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2013.03.001}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2013.03.001}, abstractNote={A hybrid surgical approach and balloon dilatation were performed successfully in a cat with cor triatriatum sinister and clinical signs of congestive heart failure. Left lateral thoracotomy was used to access the heart and cutting balloon followed by standard balloon dilatation were utilized to dilate the perforation in the anomalous left atrial membrane. Clinical signs resolved completely after dilation of the anomalous left atrial membrane. Based upon the outcome of this case, balloon dilatation appears to be a viable treatment option for cats affected with cor triatriatum sinister.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY}, author={Stern, Joshua A. and Tou, Sandra P. and Barker, Piers C. A. and Hill, Kevin D. and Lodge, Andrew J. and Mathews, Kyle G. and Keene, Bruce W.}, year={2013}, month={Sep}, pages={205–210} }
 @article{kornegay_bogan_bogan_childers_li_nghiem_detwiler_larsen_grange_bhavaraju-sanka_et al._2012, title={Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their use in therapeutic strategies}, volume={23}, number={1-2}, journal={Mammalian Genome}, author={Kornegay, J. N. and Bogan, J. R. and Bogan, D. J. and Childers, M. K. and Li, J. and Nghiem, P. and Detwiler, D. A. and Larsen, C. A. and Grange, R. W. and Bhavaraju-Sanka, R. K. and et al.}, year={2012}, pages={85–108} }
 @article{tou_defrancesco_keene_2011, title={ECG of the Month}, volume={239}, ISSN={["1943-569X"]}, DOI={10.2460/javma.239.1.55}, number={1}, journal={JAVMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Tou, Sandra P. and DeFrancesco, Teresa C. and Keene, Bruce W.}, year={2011}, month={Jul}, pages={55–57} }