We’re hoping you can help.

Researchers at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine are looking for pet owners who have cared for a dog or cat with chronic heart failure (CHF) sometime during the past 10 years, and who would be willing to participate in a new survey of owner experiences caring for dogs and cats with CHF.

The researchers are asking AAHA members to encourage clients who meet these criteria to take the survey by sharing this link.

Wendy Ware, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a cardiologist and professor in the Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Biomedical Sciences, is point person on the survey.

“Heart failure in dogs and cats is a complex and multifaceted entity, as it is in people,” Ware told NEWStat. “Many heart conditions have the potential to cause CHF. For example, in dogs, chronic mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease. Up to 90% of small breed dogs [older than] ten years of age have some degenerative valve changes; although clearly not all cases develop CHF, the risk increases with age.”

Ware hopes their research can make a difference for pet owners dealing with CHF.

"We believe that by learning more about people’s experiences and perspectives on a deeper level, we can help improve the management for heart failure patients, as well as better support owners who are caring for a dog or cat with CHF,” Ware said.

If your clients would rather take the survey using a paper copy, Ware says they can request one by emailing her at [email protected] with the subject line “CHF Survey—Paper” and to be sure to provide their mailing address. Clients can also call 515-294-7292 to request a paper copy.

Plus, survey participants can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of ten $99 gift cards.

Another way you can help: “If you would be willing to print the CHF survey poster and hang it where your clients can see it, we would be grateful!” Ware said. She also suggests spreading word about the study through your hospital’s regular client communication channels, such as e-newsletters and social media.

“Or if you prefer, we would be happy to send you a poster and some informational postcards about this survey for you to give to clients who fit the survey profile,” Ware added. Simply email her at [email protected] with the subject line “CHF Survey–Poster & Postcards.” Be sure to include your hospital’s mailing address. 

“Thanks for your participation!” said Ware.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 515-294-7292.

The study has been approved by the Iowa State University Institutional Review Board (IRB ID 18-157).

Photo credit: © iStock/porcorex