At the 2016 IWCA National Specialty show at Purina Farms in Eureka, MO, both William Tyrrell, DVM, DACVIM and Mariellen Dentino, MD, gave talks on the conclusions drawn from several IWF-funded studies, including the Echo/EKG comparison study, the Atrial Fibrillation study, and the Lifetime Cardiac Study. One of the most significant findings was that an annual EKG and ausculation by a ACVIM board-certified cardiologist is sufficient to screen Irish Wolfhounds for heart disease. In the event of any abnormal findings an echocardiogram may be indicated for followup, but it need not be used as a primary screening tool. This is very good news for all IW owners and breeders, as an EKG is significantly cheaper than an echocardiogram. As a result of these study findings, the IWCA recommended that CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) require an annual EKG and auscultation as the Irish Wolfhound cardiac screening test instead of the previously-required echocardiogram. Current CHIC requirements for Irish Wolfhounds can be found here.
The presentations are now available for the benefit of all IWs and their owners: