FAT CAT Study

MedVet’s Cardiology Department is enrolling cats in a multi-center, double-blinded prospective clinical trial entitled: Feline Aortic Thromboembolism: Clopidogrel vs Aspirin Trial (FAT CAT).

This study is designed to determine the efficacy of clopidogrel (Plavix®) versus aspirin in preventing recurrence of feline aortic thromboembolism and to identify any potential adverse effects from chronic aspirin or Plavix® therapy. This study was initiated by Dr. Dan Hogan at Purdue University.

Cats that have had signs of an aortic thromboembolism within the last three months and have structural evidence of heart disease on an echocardiogram are eligible for enrollment.

There is a financial incentive for owners which covers some (but not all) of the initial diagnostic and follow- up tests (initial echocardiogram, initial and follow-up office visits and some blood tests). Additionally, all study drugs (clopidogrel or aspirin) and all cardiac medications (may include enalapril, atenolol, furosemide, or digoxin depending on underlying heart disease) are provided at no cost to the owner for 12 months.

For further information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Linda Lehmkuhl or Dr. Eva Sikorska at 614- 846-5800.