Right‐sided congestive heart failure secondary to supraventricular tachycardia in a dog with a right atrial mass

Abstract

AbstractA dog was referred to the authors’ hospital for further investigations of pelvic limb collapsing episodes. Physical examination revealed a positive hepatojugular reflux, positive fluid thrill on abdominal palpation and an irregular heart rhythm (144 bpm) with pulse deficits. A six‐lead ECG showed focal atrial tachycardia. Doppler echocardiography revealed systolic dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype and the presence of a heterogeneous mass in the right atrium; this was confirmed by a CT study. Free abdominal fluid was detected, sampled and analysed: this was consistent with modified transudate secondary to right‐sided congestive heart failure. The dog responded well to heart failure and anti‐arrhythmic medications. He was presented eight weeks after development of respiratory signs (cough). Investigations revealed stable cardiac disease but several radiopaque nodules within the lung parenchyma compatible with metastatic disease. Ten weeks after presentation, the dog was euthanised due to worsening of the respiratory signs.