What are the advantages and disadvantages of using dog models of heart failure?
Generally, dog and other large animal models of heart failure may allow the study of left ventricular function and volumes more accurately than rodent models. In particular, they better allow chronic instrumentation. Furthermore, in dog, like in human myocardium, the β-myosin heavy-chain isoform predominates and excitation–contraction coupling processes seem to be similar to the human myocardium [77]. The force–frequency relation, as evaluated by Emax, the slope of the end-systolic pressure–volume relation, was shown to be positive in autonomically intact awake dogs as well as during autonomic blockade [78]. On the other hand, dog models are costly and require substantial resources with respect to housing and care. 5.2 Chronic rapid pacing Chronic rapid pacing at heart rates above 200 beats per minute in previously healthy dogs within several weeks produces the syndrome of congestive heart failure [79–81]. In the majority of studies, chronic pacing tachycardia results in progressive bi
