Veterinarians to Perform Free Dog Heart Health Screenings at Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser May 22 in Bartlett Park

ST. JOSEPH, Mo., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 22, veterinarians are going to the dogs in St. Joseph at the Big Brothers Big Sisters "Walk in the Park." Veterinary specialists on the Midwest Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour will stop with a soundproof medical unit to perform free dog heart examinations at Bartlett Park during this first annual Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100514/CG05392)

In addition to providing free heart health screenings, veterinarians will be available to answer questions for dog owners about heart disease – a common ailment that is almost as prevalent in dogs as it is in humans. About 11 percent of the nearly 75 million dogs in the United States have heart disease, and that figure increases to as many as 60 percent among aged dogs and certain predisposed breeds. Yet, a national survey shows that more than half of dog owners are unaware that their dog may be at risk of heart failure.

"Early diagnosis and treatment of heart failure can significantly prolong and improve the quality of a dog's life," says Dr. Kevin Christiansen, a local Kansas City veterinary cardiologist. "We look forward to reaching out to local dog owners to educate them about heart disease in dogs and the treatment options. By emphasizing the importance of annual veterinary examinations and early diagnosis of heart disease, we hope to help more dogs live longer and better lives."

Veterinary specialists will perform free dog heart screenings from inside a special mobile exam room from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Walk in the Park. They will use a stethoscope to listen for heart murmurs and other irregular sounds as well as generally assess whether or not the dogs show any signs of heart disease. No appointment is necessary.

The veterinarians on tour will also make sure that dog owners are aware of the most common symptoms of heart disease: reduced willingness to walk or exercise, difficulty breathing, coughing, loss of appetite and weight loss. Dog owners can learn more at www.YourDogsHeart.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Walk in the Park

The first annual "Walk in the Park" is a fundraiser that will benefit  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater St. Joseph. As an organization that knows all about making friendships, it encourages attendees to bring "man's best friend" for a day of fun in the park. Participants will walk in the event to help fund the match of waiting children, or "Littles," with adult mentors called "Bigs."

To pre-register and receive a free T-shirt, or for more information, visit www.bbbsstjoe.org or call 816-671-4090 by May 14. The fee is $30 and includes the T-shirt and a goodie bag. 

About Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

The Midwest Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour is designed to educate people about congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs.

While there is no cure for CHF, clinical study results have shown that dogs with the condition live nearly twice as long and enjoy a higher quality of life when diagnosed and treated during the early stages of heart failure.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 142 affiliates in 50 countries and more than 41,500 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2009, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of US $17.7 billion (12.7 billion euro) while spending 21% of net sales in its largest business segment, Prescription Medicines, on research and development.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.