Congenital Heart Disease In Dogs Research Articles

Systolic function in dogs with pulmonic stenosis of different severities and the effect of balloon valvuloplasty

Introduction/objectivesPulmonic stenosis (PS) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in dogs leading to right ventricular (RV) pressure overload, myocardial remodeling, and potential RV dysfunction. Our objectives were to investigate the extent of RV systolic dysfunction in canine PS and to examine the immediate influence of balloon valvuloplasty (BV) on systolic function. Animals, materials and methodsThis prospective study evaluated 72 dogs with PS and 86 healthy dogs. Echocardiographic parameters of systolic function included normalized tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (N-TAPSE), normalized systolic myocardial tissue Doppler velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (N-RVFW-S′), fractional area change, and speckle-tracking longitudinal endocardial RV strain. Forty-four dogs underwent BV and were re-examined after surgery. ResultsSystolic function at the basal segment of the RV was significantly lower in the PS group when compared to healthy dogs (mean N-TAPSE 4.29 ± standard deviation 1.18 mm/kg0.285 vs. 5.60 ± 1.29 mm/kg0.285; median N-RVFW-S′ 5.28 [lower-upper 25% quantile 4.35–6.43 cm/s/kg0.186] vs. 7.82 [6.73–8.79 cm/s/kg0.186]; all P<0.001). Global longitudinal RV endocardial strain showed no significant difference between the two groups (−28.50 ± 6.23% vs. 28.61 ± 4.64%; P=0.886), but segmental strain analyses revealed basal hypo- and potential compensatory hyperkinesis of the apical RVFW. Furthermore, BV affected most parameters of systolic function, but not the segmental strain values and N-TAPSE. ConclusionsRight ventricular basal longitudinal systolic function is decreased in dogs with PS in comparison to a healthy cohort. Regional and global function does not necessarily coincide.

Retrospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Diseases in Cats and Dogs: 570 Cases

Retrospective evaluation of the cardiopulmonary data is the main point in prevention and treatment of the diseases. In this study, it was aimed to retrospectively evaluate the data of 570 client-owned patients (321 dogs and 249 cats) referred to cardiology unit. The clinical findings, electrocardiographic data, echocardiography and blood analyses were evaluated. Acquired heart disease in 214 patients (37.54%), congenital heart disease in 38 patients (6.6%), and diseases affecting the lower and/or upper respiratory tract in 98 patients (17.19%) were found. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the most common acquired heart disease, and patent ductus arteriosus was the most common congenital heart disease in dogs. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was the most common acquired heart disease, while tricuspid valve dysplasia was the most common congenital heart disease. It was concluded that clinical findings, physical examination and diagnostic applications should be evaluated together in the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases.

​Atrial Septal Defect (Secundum Type) in Dogs- A Study for 15 Years

Background: Congenital anomalies in dogs are the defects present at birth and often lead to perinatal death if it involves any vital organ or system like cardiovascular system. Some dogs may remain asymptomatic or may have non cardiac manifestations and hence, undetected until later in life, so the percentage of dogs with congenital heart diseases that survive to adulthood can be rather high. Atrial septal defect (ASD) is an unusual congenital heart disease in dogs that is characterized by communication between the two atria due to a defect in the interatrial septum. Methods: A thorough clinical examination followed by physical examination, thoracic radiography and 2d-echocardiography was performed to determine the septal defect. Doppler evaluation of ASD dogs was carried out to confirm the blood flow direction through the septal defect, which was managed medically. Result: In the present study, ASD (secundum type) was diagnosed in 7 dogs (7.5%) aged between 2y-6y. Boxer, German shepherd, Cocker spaniel, Daschund and Pomeranian were the breeds affected. Soft systolic murmur on left heart base and pulmonic valve area, low intensity heart sounds, distended jugular vein, jugular pulse and ascites were the significant findings on physical examination. Though few dogs (21%) were asymptomatic, exercise intolerance, dyspnoea, general weakness, cough and syncope were the presenting signs among other cases. Enlarged right heart, pleural effusion and pulmonary overcirculation were radiographic findings. 2d-echocardiographic evaluation determined the presence of the defect as a loss of echogenicity at the interatrial septum and presence of interatrial communication of varied size, enlargement of main pulmonary artery and thick atrio-ventricular valves but with normal left atrium:aorta base ratio, increased fractional shortening, systolic function and paradoxal septal motion. The colour flow Doppler study demonstrated a continuous flow with left-to-right shunt.

Key considerations in the approach to congenital heart disease in dogs and cats.

Congenital heart disease is an important subset of all cardiovascular disease in dogs and cats that is present at birth and most often detected in young animals but can be diagnosed in adulthood. The range of abnormalities that can occur during development of the heart is vast incorporating simple and complex defects, varying degrees of severity and clinical presentations that include heart failure and cyanosis. While some defects do not result in morbidity in an individual animal, others cause severe clinical signs and death at a young age. Advances in imaging and expanding treatment options offer increasingly more possibilities in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease which is the focus of this review. The objective is to provide a broad overview of current practice and highlight key aspects to guide practitioners in their approach to congenital heart disease diagnosis and knowledge of available treatment options.

Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 95 Cases

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of congenital heart diseases in dogs attending 2 veterinary hospitals in Brazil and to identify possible associations between these conditions and epidemiological characteristics.A retrospective study was carried out in the cardiology sections of 2 veterinary hospitals during a period of 70 months from January 2012 and October 2017.Of a total of 6710 dogs that attended the cardiology sections of the hospitals, 109 congenital heart diseases were identified in 95 patients, representing a prevalence of 1.6%. Findings consistent with previous literature included subaortic stenosis and pulmonic stenosis as the most commonly diagnosed conditions, in addition to a higher predisposition of females to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In contrast, the novel findings included a higher prevalence of atrial septal defect and a lower prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus. The majority of the animals included were over 1 year of age at the time of diagnosis (67%) especially in the subaortic stenosis group. Also, a predisposition of the Maltese to ventricular septal defect was observed.The information obtained in the present study contributes to research that describes epidemiological characteristics of dogs with congenital heart disease in a previously unreported location.

Epidemiological study of congenital heart diseases in dogs: Prevalence, popularity, and volatility throughout twenty years of clinical practice.

The epidemiology of Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) has changed over the past twenty years. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CHDs in the population of dogs recruited in a single referral center (RC); compare the epidemiological features of CHDs in screened breeds (Boxers) versus non-screened (French and English Bulldogs, German Shepherds); investigate the association of breeds with the prevalence of CHDs; determine the popularity and volatility of breeds over a 20-year period; analysed the trends of the most popular breeds in the overall population of new-born dogs registered in the Italian Kennel Club (IKC) from 1st January 1997 to 31st December 2017. The RC’s cardiological database was analysed, and 1,779 clinical records were included in a retrospective observation study. Descriptive statistics and frequencies regarding the most representative breeds and CHDs were generated. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the trends of the most common CHDs found in single and in cluster of breeds. The relationship between breed popularity and presence of CHDs was studied. The most common CHDs were Pulmonic Stenosis, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Subaortic Stenosis, Ventricular Septal Defect, Aortic Stenosis, Tricuspid Dysplasia, Atrial Septal Defect, Double Chamber Right Ventricle, Mitral Dysplasia, and others less frequent. The most represented pure breeds were Boxer, German Shepherd, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Maltese, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, Chihuahua, and others in lower percentage. Chihuahuas, American Staffordshire Terriers, Border Collies, French Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were the most appreciated all of which showed a high value of volatility. This study found evidence for the value of the screening program implemented in Boxers; fashions and trends influence dog owners’ choices more than the worries of health problems in a breed. Effective breeding programs are needed in order to control the diffusion of CHDs without impoverishing the genetic pool.

Use of computed radiology as a screening test for the identification of congenital heart disease in dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of thoracic radiology as a screening test for congenital heart diseases in dogs, to identify the main contributions and limitations of this modality, and to verify the reproducibility of the evaluations by three observers with different levels of training. An interobserver, observational, retrospective and prospective study was carried out, including ninety dogs: thirty healthy animals, thirty with acquired heart diseases and thirty with congenital heart diseases, which all had thoracic radiographs and a confirmed echocardiographic diagnosis. The cases were separated and randomized by a mediator who did not participate in the reading of the radiographic examinations, and no evaluator had access to the patients' data. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of each observer were calculated in relation to the correct classification of dogs to groups of normal or acquired and congenital heart diseases, as well as identification of enlargement of the cardiac silhouette and large vessels of dogs with congenital heart diseases. Finally, the Kappa coefficient was obtained between the observers to verify the reproducibility of the radiological evaluations performed. In general, sensitivity, PPV and accuracy were unsatisfactory ( 70%), and the agreement ranged from poor to reasonable (between 0 and 0.39). Although greater accuracy was achieved in the differentiation of healthy dogs from those with acquired and congenital heart diseases by thoracic radiography, when compared to the other studies, the modality was able only to identify healthy patients, and could not differentiate the individuals with different forms of heart disease or define the cardiac malformations. In addition, there was low reproducibility between observers, therefore, this technique should not be used as a sole screening method in dogs with suspected congenital heart diseases.

Left ventricular systolic function in dogs with pulmonic stenosis.

Background and Aim:Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs. This condition causes right ventricle (RV) overload and disrupts overall systolic function. The aim of this study was to examine the alterations of cardiac electrical activity and mechanical function in dogs with PS compared to normal healthy dogs.Materials and Methods:The ventricular systolic function of dogs with PS was studied. Dogs were divided into two groups, PS (n=13) and control (CONT) (n=12). Measurements of blood pressure, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography were performed.Results:PS dogs had exercise intolerance, with six experiencing syncope. ECG of PS dogs showed higher amplitudes of P, S, and T waves (p<0.01), and a lower R:S ratio (p<0.001) with longer QRS duration (p<0.001) compared to CONT dogs. Echocardiography demonstrated that the pulmonic flow velocity and pressure gradient (PG) between the RV and the pulmonary artery of PS dogs were significantly higher than CONT dogs (p<0.001). The RV free wall thickness to the left ventricular posterior wall thickness ratio and the right atrium to the left atrium diameter ratio was higher (p<0.001), while interventricular septum (IVS) was thicker (p<0.01) in PS dogs compared with CONT dogs (p<0.001). The systolic function in PS dogs showed higher pulmonic valve velocity time integral (PVVTI) value (p<0.001) and longer pulmonic valve ejection time (ET) (p<0.05) than CONT dogs. However, aortic valve VTI (AVVTI) value and aortic valve ET were not significantly different between the groups, although fractional shortening in PS dogs was higher. In PS dogs, PG showed a significant positive correlation with PVVTI: AVVTI ratio (p<0.05).Conclusion:PS had prolonged pulmonic valve opening. The thickening of the RV wall and IVS can cause a detrimental reduction of the left ventricular preload in PS dogs.

Tricuspidalisdysplasie bij de hond

In dit artikel wordt een gedetailleerd overzicht gegeven van de verschillende aspecten van tricuspidalisklepdysplasie bij honden. Deze aangeboren aandoening werd beschreven bij diverse grote hondenrassen maar voornamelijk de labrador-retriever is gepredisponeerd. Tricuspidalisklepdysplasie is relatief zeldzaam met een prevalentie van ongeveer zeven procent van alle congenitale hartafwijkingen bij de hond. De asymptomatische fase kan meerdere jaren duren en hangt voornamelijk af van de ernst van de afwijking. Tijdens de klinische fase kunnen inspanningsintolerantie, vermoeidheid, anorexie, cardiale cachexie, dyspneu en tekenen van rechterharthalen aanwezig zijn. Echocardiografie inclusief een doppleronderzoek is noodzakelijk om de diagnose te bevestigen. Een definitieve behandeling bestaat uit het chirurgisch vervangen van de klep maar dit is technisch moeilijk en bevindt zich bij honden nog in de experimentele fase. Een ondersteunende therapie wordt ingesteld zodra de hond symptomen van congestief hartfalen ontwikkelt en bestaat uit het toedienen van diuretica, ace-inhibitoren en positief-inotrope farmaca.

O exame radiográfico nas cardiopatias congênitas: fisiopatogenia e critérios diagnósticos

Although echocardiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease in dogs, radiographic examination of the thorax is still routinely and can potentially provide useful information in the evaluation of the patient. The aim of this review is to correlate the pathophysiological findings of the main congenital heart diseases in dogs with radiographic changes of the thorax. This review shows the importance of knowing both the limitations and the pathophysiological aspects of these cardiac malformations for a more accurate radiographic interpretation by the radiologist.

Double-chambered Right Ventricle with Intact Ventricular Septum in a Maltese Dog

A 6-year-old female Maltese (body weight, 3.1 kg) without clinical signs was referred for further evaluation of the cause of cardiac murmur. Thoracic radiography revealed right-sided cardiomegaly. Echocardiography showed marked hypertrophic remodeling of the right ventricular free wall and an anomalous muscular bundle and fibrous nodule near the subinfundibular portion of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), indicating a double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV). The turbulent flow from the anomalous muscular bundle to the main pulmonary artery was 4.6 m/sec, in addition to the tricuspid valvular regurgitation of 4.4 m/sec and main pulmonary artery flow of 1.1 m/sec. The dog is receiving atenolol (0.5 mg/kg) to minimize the deleterious cardiac effects of the high afterload, even though she remains asymptomatic. This report describes a case of DCRV, a rare congenital heart disease in dogs in South Korea.

Retrospective Review of Congenital Heart Disease in 976 Dogs

Knowledge of epidemiology is important for recognition of cardiovascular malformations. Review the incidence of congenital heart defects in dogs in Italy and assess breed and sex predispositions. Nine hundred and seventy-six dogs diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) of 4,480 dogs presented to Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso for cardiovascular examination from 1997 to 2010. A retrospective analysis of medical records regarding signalment, history, clinical examination, radiography, electrocardiography, echocardiography, angiography, and postmortem examination was performed. Breed and sex predisposition were assessed with the odds ratio test. CHD was observed in 21.7% of cases. A total of 1,132 defects were observed with single defects in 832 cases (85%), 2 concurrent defects in 132 cases (14%), and 3 concurrent defects in 12 cases (1%). The most common defects were pulmonic stenosis (PS; 32.1%), subaortic stenosis (SAS; 21.3%), and patent ductus arteriosus (20.9%), followed by ventricular septal defect (VSD; 7.5%), valvular aortic stenosis (AS; 5.7%), and tricuspid dysplasia (3.1%). SAS, PS, and VSD frequently were associated with other defects. Several breed and sex predispositions were identified. The results of this study are in accordance with previous studies, with slight differences. The breed and sex predilections identified may be of value for the diagnosis and screening of CHD in dogs. Additionally, the relatively high percentage of concurrent heart defects emphasizes the importance of accurate and complete examinations for identification. Because these data are from a cardiology referral center, a bias may exist.

Decision making in suspected congenital heart disease in dogs and cats

CONGENITAL heart defects, such as subaortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus, are relatively common in dogs, but rarely seen in cats. Such defects are usually suspected following the...

Etiology of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs and usually causes heart failure and death unless corrected at a young age. Previous histologic studies in a line of dogs derived from Miniature Poodles with hereditary PDA identified varying degrees of hypoplasia and asymmetry of ductus-specific smooth muscle and the presence of aortalike elastic tissue in the ductus wall sufficient to cause patency. To determine if similar structural abnormalities cause PDA in other dogs, serial-section, 3-dimensional histology of ductal architecture was studied in 8 non-Poodle purebred dogs with PDA with no immediate family history of PDA. Morphologic abnormalities were observed in 7 of 8 dogs with PDA and essentially were the same as those in dogs known to have a hereditary form of PDA. These findings suggest that apparently sporadic PDA in these breeds is caused by a genetic defect in the structure of the ductus arteriosus that is similar or identical to that in the Poodle. The relatives of dogs with PDA, particularly parents, offspring, and siblings, should be screened for evidence of PDA. Dogs with PDA should not be used for breeding, regardless of breed.

Congenital heart disease in dogs and cats

ABSTRACTThe presence of congenital heart disease in dogs and cats is usually indicated by a cardiac murmur. There may or may not be further signs of cardiac failure. The type and site of a murmur often suggests the nature of the underlying lesion, but electrocardiography and radiography can give further indications of the nature of the defect.Advanced diagnostic procedures include cardiac catheterisation for angiography, blood pressure recording and blood gas analysis, but this technique is now being superseded in many cases by cardiac ultrasound. Some lesions can be demonstrated directly by echocardiography, but the source of the murmur and the severity of the deformity can be defined precisely by Doppler.Congenital cardiovascular disorders can increasingly be relieved by sophisticated surgery.

Congenital heart disease in dogs: epidemiologic similarities to man.

AbstractIn a study of 700 congenital cardiac defects in dogs there were similarities, anatomic and epidemiologic, to defects occurring in man. Marked excesses of certain anomalies observed in specific breeds can serve as models for genetic and environmental studies.

GENETIC ASPECTS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ANIMALS.

When the incidences and types of cardiovascular disease present in various species, breeds, and strains, or families of animals are compared, certain differences are apparent. It is often difficult, however, to separate hereditary from environmental influences. Studies of vascular disease in zoo animals have shown that changing environmental conditions can alter the incidence of certain types of lesions in various species. Species differences, however, in resistance to diet-induced atherosclerosis appear to be genetically determined. The prevalence and types of congenital cardiac malformations appear to differ from species to species, but further systematic study is required. Arterial blood pressure is higher in the giraffe and turkey than in other species, and normal variants in cardiac rhythm are characteristic of the dog, horse, and mole. Relatively high incidences of specific cardiovascular diseases are found in certain breeds of animals. The White Carneaux, Autosexing King, and Silver King breeds of pigeons have a high incidence of atherosclerosis. Congenital heart disease appears to be more common in purebred than in mongrel dogs, and an unusual aggregation of cases of subaortic stenosis in the Boxer and German Shepherd breeds has been found. In a survey of heart disease in dogs, the prevalence of chronic congestive heart failure in the male Cocker Spaniel greatly exceeded that in the male and female of all other breeds. Arterial blood pressure is higher in Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys than in the Jersey Buff breed. This is associated in the former breed with a relatively high incidence of spontaneous aortic rupture. The occurrence of cardiovascular disease is unusually high in certain families and strains of animals. Among swine, litter and strain differences in serum cholesterol levels and in susceptibility to atherogenic diets occur. The White Carneaux breed of pigeons is actually a highly inbred strain with a remarkable predisposition to the development of atherosclerosis. Strains of chickens and rats with high incidences of interventricular septal defects have been developed by selective breeding. The familial occurrence of congenital heart disease in dogs and swine has been observed, and an inherited vascular anomaly in cattle has been described. Through selective breeding of laboratory rodents, strains with various types of cardiomyopathies have been developed. Certain diseases thought to be similar to the heritable disorders of connective tissue in man have been identified in domestic species. The level of arterial blood pressure is a heritable characteristic, and strains of rabbits, rats, and chickens with relative hypertension have been produced by selective breeding. Many of these observations indicate the importance of inheritance in determining susceptibility to various types of acquired cardiovascular disease. Genetic factors appear to operate in determining the occurrence of certain congenital malformations. Breeding experiments provide the most convincing evidence of genetic influence on the development of specific cardiovascular lesions. This experimental approach holds the greatest promise for furthering knowledge and understanding of the role of inheritance in the etiology of disease of the heart and blood vessels.