Scientist Defends Controversial Canine Heart Research Amid Backlash

The lead scientist behind a contentious cardiac study involving dogs has publicly defended his research following significant backlash, including threats from Ontario’s Premier to ban animal testing. Dr. Frank Prato, whose work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, was halted in the wake of public outcry, asserted the critical nature of his research during an exclusive interview with CBC London.

In August 2023, an investigative report from the Investigative Journalism Bureau and Postmedia unveiled that scientists at the Lawson Research Institute induced heart attacks in dogs and puppies, subsequently euthanizing them for further examination. The article detailed how these animals were transported to the hospital in covered crates, while loud music masked their barking, citing whistleblowers from within the facility. Following these revelations, Premier Doug Ford expressed his outrage, stating he would “hunt down” those involved in such practices and proposed legislation to outlaw “invasive medical research” on dogs and cats.

In light of the allegations, Prato emphasized that his work was transparent, having begun using dogs for cardiac research in 1982. He contested the claims of animal abuse, arguing that the whistleblowers misunderstood the animals’ post-surgery behavior. “The dogs are fully anesthetized. Unlike humans, who suffer greatly during a heart attack, dogs do not experience such pain,” Prato explained. He highlighted that the use of dogs in his research is essential for understanding heart attack recovery, asserting, “This work is saving many, many lives.”

Investigations Clear Prato of Wrongdoing

Two independent reviews, conducted by Western University’s Animal Care Committee in September and the Canadian Council on Animal Care in October, found no evidence supporting allegations of animal mistreatment. Both investigations included site visits, record reviews, and interviews with staff involved in the program. According to a memo obtained by CBC News, the reviews concluded that the study did not lead to heart failure and that the dogs experienced no pain during the procedures.

“After careful assessment of the evidence, we report that the research program was fully in line with its approved Animal Use Protocols and followed all regulatory requirements,” stated Arthur Brown, chair of Western University’s ACC. He further noted that the research had significantly contributed to the clinical management of myocardial infarction patients worldwide.

The reviews also indicated that the dogs received continuous monitoring from a clinical veterinarian, with assessments happening at least four times daily during recovery. The dogs were housed together, ensuring social interaction, and were provided with appropriate bedding, toys, and nutrition throughout the research process.

Prato expressed deep disappointment over the suspension of the study, stating, “I was just destroyed and upset that here was the end of something that would save so many lives.”

Importance of Canine Research in Cardiology

Prato explained that the choice to use dogs in cardiac research stems from their physiological similarities to humans, particularly in heart structure and function. He noted that most blood flow in the human body is delivered by one coronary artery, with a secondary artery responsible for about 20 percent of blood flow. Both humans and dogs experience heart attacks over a similar time frame, making dogs an ideal model for studying interventions.

“It is this architecture of the blood vessels which makes the dog the only model to properly study this technology,” Prato emphasized. The researchers would induce a temporary reduction in blood flow to simulate a heart attack, after which they would restore blood flow to study recovery processes.

Prato’s research, he claims, has the potential to aid the approximately 750,000 patients diagnosed with heart failure in Canada. He argues that halting this type of research could hinder significant advancements in cardiovascular treatment. “Where it gets ugly for me is the fact that now, we’re talking about one dog life being worth more than a million patients,” he lamented.

As the medical community and the public weigh in on this issue, the future of canine research at St. Joseph’s Hospital remains uncertain. An external review commissioned by the hospital is expected to provide further insights in the coming weeks.