The Quality of Life and Extension of Survival Time (QUEST) study, an international study comparing two treatments used to manage congestive heart failure in dogs, has concluded.

The three-year study involved 260 dogs at 28 sites in 11 countries.

Canine patients were randomly allocated to either a Vetmedin (pimobendan) Capsules or a benazepril hydrochloride treatment group. Dogs were followed to point of treatment failure or death due to congestive heart failure.

“Our primary objective with the clinical QUEST study was to investigate and compare the effects of pimobendan and benazepril hydrochloride therapies on survival time in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease,” said lead investigator, Professor Jens Haggstrom, DVM, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. “We hope to confirm a better therapeutic option for this very prevalent and life-threatening type of heart failure.”

The results of the trial are scheduled to be published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine this fall.

The study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health of St. Joseph, Mo.