Idexx Laboratories to launch study into feline cardiac health

Idexx Laboratories has announced plans to undertake a large-scale study of feline cardiac health in order to gain a better understanding of the issues involved.

The animal health company will enrol more than 3,000 US-based general practice veterinarians in the study, preliminary findings from which are expected later in 2010.

It is being launched to help classify and understand the common traits presented by cats affected by heart health conditions.

Idexx cited research suggesting that around one in six cats are potentially susceptible to heart disease, with felines though to have genetic predispositions to such conditions which can manifest themselves at any age.

Leif Lorentzen, senior medical affairs manager for Idexx, said: “We will use our findings to quantify how feline cardiac biomarkers, when added to current blood-screening protocols, provide veterinarians with more comprehensive screening tools that advance patient care.”

Earlier this month, Idexx Laboratories expanded the integration abilities of several diagnostic products, such as VetLab in-house analysers and Idexx Digital Imaging Systems, to interface with a wider range of software.