Drs. Abigail Martin, Etienne Côté, and Lynne O’Sullivan.

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has announced a clinical trial aiming to treat cardiac tumors in dogs. The study will investigate the use of propranolol, a medication commonly prescribed to treat similar conditions in children.

Cardiac tumors, most commonly affecting large breed dogs, are typically diagnosed only after the patient has been admitted into an emergency hospital—often at a time when fluid has already accumulated around the heart.

Led by Drs. Abigail Martin, Etienne Côté, and Lynne O’Sullivan—and supported by the Arthur L. Irving Foundation, the ACVIM Cardiology Pacemaker Fund Research Grant, and AVC’s Companion Animal Fund—the study will continue for a period of up two years.

“Propranolol has shown great success in treating hemangiomas in infants,” says Martin, investigator. “We want to see if it can have a similar effect on dogs, as treatment options for this condition are limited and often result in end-of-life-conversations.”

To qualify for the study, dogs must be referred to AVC by their veterinarian and meet certain criteria. Once enrolled, patients will receive the trial oral medication at home for one month, monitored closely by AVC’s veterinary specialists.

“Right now, we can help the patient in the short term by relieving the fluid around the heart, so it helps the dog feel better,” said Côté. “However, the underlying issue is the tumour, and surgery is often not viable. We want to know if this medication will help shrink the tumor and enhance the quality of life for these animals.”