2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, CP should be considered in dogs with pleural effusion in the absence of or with minimal pericardial effusion and absence of dilated chambers. This suspicion should increase with characteristic echocardiographic findings. The prognosis for non-malignant etiologies is favorable with pericardiectomy. Echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function can prove challenging in cats, partially due to transmitral flow pattern fusion (EAfusion) secondary to elevated heart rates in the clinic. With reduced heart rate, transmitral flow waveforms may separate. Detection of diastolic dysfunction can aid in the early detection of cardiomyopathies. Timolol, an ophthalmic, nonselective beta-blocker used in cats with glaucoma is demonstrated to be safe and transiently decrease heart rate in clinical trials. Here we hypothesize that topical timolol ophthalmic suspension will decrease heart rate and allow E and A wave separation during echocardiogram, without significant adverse effects. Additionally, timolol may rapidly demonstrate the effect of beta-blockade in cats where oral beta-blockade is being considered.