Canine model of stable chronic heart failure

To establish a stable chronic model for long-term use, heart failure was induced in five mongrel dogs by pacing at 230 bpm for four weeks, performing sham operation, and pacing at 190 bpm for another four weeks. Furosemide was given postoperatively for four weeks. Hemodynamics and 2-dimensional echocardiographic data during transient cessation of pacing at Week four and Week eight were compared with those from 18 normal dogs. Overall, hear failure induction at 230 bpm for four weeks gave a very stable and adequate level of heart failure in animals.