Professors Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall have been named recipients of the 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine for their significant contributions to understanding heart disease in dogs and cats. This recognition highlights their nearly two-decade collaboration at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), where their work integrates research, clinical practice, and teaching.
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The award acknowledges their efforts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular diseases in companion animals, impacting practices both in Sweden and internationally. Ingrid Ljungvall focuses on comparative medicine within One Health, while Jens Häggström specializes in internal medicine for companion animals, both serving in SLU’s Department of Clinical Sciences.
Häggström began his career with broad clinical experience in mixed practice before specializing in veterinary cardiology, which he found to connect various medical disciplines. Likewise, Ljungvall developed an interest in cardiology shortly after graduating, seeking out opportunities in the field. Their research approach is circular, starting with clinical encounters that lead to investigations and ultimately returning findings to veterinary practice.
A pivotal moment for Häggström was the EPIC trial, which demonstrated that the heart medication pimobendan could change the disease progression of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Ljungvall highlighted the importance of dietary factors in preventing heart diseases, noting a correlation between specific amino acids in dog diets and heart muscle conditions.
Preventative measures are central to their research. They were among the first to identify hereditary components in myxomatous mitral valve disease, influencing breeding programs for predisposed breeds. Their genetic studies have led to tests that assist breeders in making informed decisions.
Their work extends to an international screening program aimed at reducing feline cardiomyopathy through extensive echocardiography, resulting in a significant drop in disease prevalence among screened cats. The duo has conducted numerous drug trials and established reference values for resting breathing rates in dogs and cats, enabling earlier detection of health issues.
Recently, their team developed an artificial intelligence tool to analyze heart sounds in dogs, assisting veterinarians in diagnosing murmurs. This technology will be implemented in several countries starting in autumn 2026.
In their collaborative work, Häggström and Ljungvall employ comparative medicine to explore heart diseases across species, contributing to a broader understanding of these conditions in both animals and humans. Their partnership, which started during Ljungvall’s veterinary studies under Häggström’s supervision, has evolved into a close working relationship marked by shared responsibilities in research, teaching, and clinical practice.
Both researchers are motivated by their clinical interactions with patients, driving them to seek answers that improve the quality of life for both animals and their owners. They view the award as a recognition of their collective efforts, emphasizing the importance of familial support in their demanding research endeavors.
Häggström and Ljungvall will formally receive their award at a ceremony on November 25, 2026, at SLU, co-hosted by Agria Pet Insurance.