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Brložnik M, Nemec Svete A, Erjavec V, Domanjko Petrič A. Echocardiographic analysis of dogs before and after surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148288. [PMID: 37215476 PMCID: PMC10192610 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachycephalic dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) are a valuable animal model for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in humans. Clinical signs of upper airway obstruction improve after surgical treatment of BOAS, but the impact of surgery on morphology and function of the heart has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to compare the echocardiographic variables of dogs before and after surgical treatment of BOAS. We included 18 client-owned dogs with BOAS (7 French Bulldogs, 6 Boston Terriers, and 5 Pugs) scheduled for surgical correction. We performed a complete echocardiographic examination before and 6 to 12 (median 9) months after surgery. Seven non-brachycephalic dogs were included in the control group. After surgery, BOAS patients had a significantly (p < 0.05) larger left atrium to aortic ratio (LA/Ao), left atrium in the long axis index, and thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall in diastole index. They also had a higher late diastolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum (Am) and increased global right ventricular strain and left ventricular global strain in the apical 4-chamber view, as well as a higher caudal vena cava collapsibility index (CVCCI). Before surgery, BOAS patients had a significantly lower CVCCI, Am, peak systolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum (Si), and early diastolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum (Ei) compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. After surgery, BOAS patients had a smaller right ventricular internal diameter at base index, right ventricular area in systole index, mitral annular plane systolic excursion index, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion index, as well as lower values of Am, Si, Ei, and late diastolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum, and a larger LA/Ao compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. Significant differences between BOAS patients and non-brachycephalic dogs indicate higher right heart pressures and decreased systolic and diastolic ventricular function in BOAS dogs, which is in accordance with the results of studies in OSA patients. In parallel with the marked clinical improvement, right heart pressures decreased, and right ventricular systolic and diastolic function improved after surgery.
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Brložnik M, Nemec Svete A, Erjavec V, Domanjko Petrič A. Echocardiographic parameters in French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers with brachycephalic obstructive airways syndrome. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:49. [PMID: 36793024 PMCID: PMC9930355 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this prospective study, we hypothesized that dogs with signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) would show differences in left and right heart echocardiographic parameters compared with brachycephalic dogs without signs of BOAS and non-brachycephalic dogs. RESULTS We included 57 brachycephalic (30 French Bulldogs 15 Pugs, and 12 Boston Terriers) and 10 non-brachycephalic control dogs. Brachycephalic dogs had significantly higher ratios of the left atrium to aorta and mitral early wave velocity to early diastolic septal annular velocity; smaller left ventricular (LV) diastolic internal diameter index; and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion index, late diastolic annular velocity of the LV free wall, peak systolic septal annular velocity, late diastolic septal annular velocitiy, and right ventricular global strain than non-brachycephalic dogs. French Bulldogs with signs of BOAS had a smaller diameter of the left atrium index and right ventricular systolic area index; higher caudal vena cava at inspiration index; and lower caudal vena cava collapsibility index, late diastolic annular velocity of the LV free wall, and peak systolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum than non-brachycephalic dogs. CONCLUSIONS The differences in echocardiographic parameters between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs, brachycephalic dogs with signs of BOAS and non-brachycephalic dogs, and brachycephalic dogs with and without signs of BOAS indicate higher right heart diastolic pressures affecting right heart function in brachycephalic dogs and those with signs of BOAS. Most changes in cardiac morphology and function can be attributed to anatomic changes in brachycephalic dogs alone and not to the symptomatic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Brložnik
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A. Nemec Svete
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - V. Erjavec
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A. Domanjko Petrič
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Partington C, Hodgkiss-Geere H, Woods GRT, Dukes-McEwan J, Flanagan J, Biourge V, German AJ. The effect of obesity and subsequent weight reduction on cardiac structure and function in dogs. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:351. [PMID: 36127687 PMCID: PMC9487111 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03449-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In people, the cardiovascular effects of obesity include systemic hypertension, cardiac remodelling and both systolic and diastolic dysfunction, whilst weight reduction can reverse myocardial remodelling and reduce risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease. To date, variable results are reported in studies of the effect of obesity and controlled weight reduction on cardiovascular morphology and function in dogs. This prospective study aimed to assess cardiac function, heart rate variability, cardiac biomarkers and body composition before and after weight reduction in pet dogs with obesity. Twenty-four client-owned dogs referred for weight management due to obesity were recruited. To assess the cardiac effects of obesity, body composition analysis (by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA) and cardiovascular assessment (echocardiography, Doppler blood pressure, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers) were performed prior to weight management. Twelve dogs completed the study and reached target weight, receiving a further cardiovascular assessment and DEXA. A Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used to compare each variable pre- and post- weight reduction. Results Median (interquartile range) duration of weight loss was 224 days (124–245 days), percentage weight loss was 23% (18–31%) of starting weight. Median change in body fat mass was -50% (-44% to -55%; P = 0.004), whilst median change in lean mass was -7% (+ 1% to -18%, P = 0.083). Before weight reduction, diastolic dysfunction (evidence of impaired relaxation in all dogs), increased left ventricular wall thickness and mildly elevated systolic blood pressure (14/24 ≥ 160 mmHg, median 165 mmHg (140–183)) were common features in dogs with obesity. However, systolic left ventricular wall dimensions were the only variables that changed after weight reduction, with a decrease in both the systolic interventricular septum (P = 0.029) and systolic left ventricular free wall (P = 0.017). There was no evidence of decreased heart rate variability in dogs with obesity (P = 0.367), and no change in cardiac biomarker concentrations with weight reduction (N-terminal proBNP, P = 0.262; cardiac troponin I P = 0.657). Conclusions Canine obesity results in diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy, the latter of which improves with significant weight and fat mass reduction. Further studies are required to clarify the clinical consequences of these findings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03449-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Partington
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, Ecological and Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, Wirral, UK. .,Present address: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - H Hodgkiss-Geere
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, Ecological and Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, Wirral, UK
| | - G R T Woods
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, Wirral, UK
| | - J Dukes-McEwan
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, Ecological and Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, Wirral, UK
| | - J Flanagan
- Royal Canin Research Center, 650 Avenue de la petite Camargue - CS10309, 30470, Aimargues, France
| | - V Biourge
- Royal Canin Research Center, 650 Avenue de la petite Camargue - CS10309, 30470, Aimargues, France
| | - A J German
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, Wirral, UK
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Schober KE, Fox PR, Abbott J, Côté E, Luis‐Fuentes V, Matos JN, Stern JA, Visser L, Scollan KF, Chetboul V, Schrope D, Glaus T, Santilli R, Pariaut R, Stepien R, Arqued‐Soubeyran V, Toaldo MB, Estrada A, MacDonald K, Karlin ET, Rush J. Retrospective evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 68 dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:865-876. [PMID: 35322461 PMCID: PMC9151492 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of clinical data on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To investigate signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and survival in dogs with HCM. ANIMALS Sixty-eight client-owned dogs. METHODS Retrospective multicenter study. Medical records were searched between 2003 and 2015. The diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was made by echocardiographic examination. RESULTS Three hundred and forty-five dogs with LV hypertrophy were identified, of which 277 were excluded. The remaining 68 dogs were 0.3 to 14 years old and predominantly <10 kg (85%), and without a sex predilection. Twenty-four % were Shih Tzu and 24% terrier breeds. Most (80%) had a systolic heart murmur. Owner-determined exercise intolerance (37%) and syncope (18%) were most commonly reported signs. The majority (84%) of dogs had symmetrical LV hypertrophy, whereas asymmetrical septal and LV free wall hypertrophy was observed in 9% and 6% of dogs, respectively. Isolated basal interventricular septal hypertrophy was not observed. Commonly recorded were systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (60%) and LV diastolic dysfunction (89% of dogs where diastolic function was evaluated). Six dogs died unexpectedly, and 3 developed congestive heart failure. Known survival times were between 1 day and 114 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in dogs should be considered as a differential diagnosis if LV hypertrophy is identified. Small breed dogs are overrepresented, and it is uncommon for dogs with HCM to develop CHF although sudden death can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten E. Schober
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Phillip R. Fox
- Department of CardiologyThe Animal Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jonathan Abbott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Etienne Côté
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unite de Cardiologie d'Alfort (UCA)Université Paris‐EstMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | | | - Jose Novo Matos
- Clinical Sciences and ServicesRoyal Veterinary CollegeLondonUK
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal MedicineUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Joshua A. Stern
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lance Visser
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Valerie Chetboul
- Atlantic Veterinary CollegeUniversity of Prince Edward IslandPrince Edward IslandCanada
| | - Donald Schrope
- Department of CardiologyOradell Animal HospitalParamusNew JerseyUSA
| | - Tony Glaus
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal MedicineUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | | | - Romain Pariaut
- Department of Clinical SciencesCornell College of Veterinary MedicineIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Rebecca Stepien
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin School of Veterinary MedicineMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Vanessa Arqued‐Soubeyran
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unite de Cardiologie d'Alfort (UCA)Université Paris‐EstMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Marco Baron Toaldo
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal MedicineUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Amara Estrada
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Emily T. Karlin
- Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusettsUSA
| | - John Rush
- Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusettsUSA
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Rohrbaugh MN, Schober KE, Rhinehart JD, Bonagura JD, Habing A, Yildiz V. Detection of congestive heart failure by Doppler echocardiography in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1091-1101. [PMID: 32364632 PMCID: PMC7255654 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by increased filling pressures and related Doppler echocardiographic (DE) filling patterns. HYPOTHESIS Doppler echocardiographic variables of left ventricular filling derived from transmitral flow, pulmonary vein flow, and tissue Doppler can be used to detect CHF in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). ANIMALS Forty-seven client-owned cats. METHODS Prospective clinical cohort study. Cats underwent physical examination, thoracic radiography, analysis of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and transthoracic echocardiography and were divided into 3 age-matched groups: Group 1 (apparently healthy control), Group 2 (preclinical HCM), and Group 3 (HCM and CHF). Measured and calculated variables included respiratory rate, DE estimates, serum NT-proBNP concentration, and radiographic CHF score. Groups were compared using ANOVA, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate analyses were used to identify diagnostic cutoffs for the detection of CHF. RESULTS Fifteen cats were in Group 1, 17 in Group 2, and 15 in Group 3. The ROC analysis indicated that the ratio of peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow to peak velocity of late diastolic transmitral flow (area under the curve [AUC], 1.0; diagnostic cutoff, 1.77; P = .001), ratio of left atrial size to aortic annular dimension (AUC, 0.91; diagnostic cutoff, 1.96; P = .003), left atrial diameter (AUC, 0.89; cutoff, 18.5 mm; P = .004), diastolic functional class (AUC, 0.89; cutoff, class 2; P = .005), respiratory (AUC, 0.79; cutoff, 36 breaths per minute [brpm]; P = .02), and the ratio of the peak velocity of fused early and late transmitral flow velocities to the peak velocity of the fused early and late diastolic tissue Doppler waveforms (AUC, 0.74; cutoff, 15.1; P = .05) performed best for detecting CHF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Various DE variables can be used to detect CHF in cats with HCM. Determination of the clinical benefit of such variables in initiating treatments and assessing treatment success needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karsten E. Schober
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Jaylyn D. Rhinehart
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - John D. Bonagura
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Amy Habing
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Vedat Yildiz
- Center for BiostatisticsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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Pradelli D, Quintavalla C, Crosta MC, Mazzoni L, Oliveira P, Scotti L, Brambilla P, Bussadori C. The influence of emotional stress on Doppler-derived aortic peak velocity in boxer dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:1724-30. [PMID: 25312007 PMCID: PMC4895642 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a common congenital heart disease in Boxers. Doppler‐derived aortic peak velocity (AoPV) is a diagnostic criterion for the disease. Objectives To investigate the influence of emotional stress during echocardiographic examination on AoPV in normal and SAS‐affected Boxers. To evaluate the effects of aortic root diameters on AoPV in normal Boxers. Dogs Two hundred and fifteen normal and 19 SAS‐affected Boxers. Methods The AoPV was recorded at the beginning of echocardiographic examination (T0), and when the emotional stress of the dog was assumed to decrease based on behavioral parameters and heart rate (T1). AoPV0–AoPV1 was calculated. In normal dogs, stroke volume index was calculated at T0 and T1. Aortic root diameters were measured and their relationship with AoPV and AoPV0–AoPV1 was evaluated. Results In normal dogs, AoPV was higher at T0 (median, 1.95 m/s; range, 1.60–2.50 m/s) than at T1 (median, 1.76 m/s; range, 1.40–2.20 m/s; P < .0001; reduction 9.2%). The stroke volume index at T0 also was greater than at T1 (P < .0001). Weak negative correlations were detected between aortic root size and aortic velocities. In SAS‐affected dogs, AoPV0 was higher than AoPV1 (P < .0001; reduction 7.3%). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Aortic peak velocity was affected by emotional stress during echocardiographic examination both in SAS‐affected and normal Boxers. In normal Boxers, aortic root size weakly affected AoPVs, but did not affect AoPV0–AoPV1. Stroke volume seems to play a major role in stress‐related AoPV increases in normal Boxers. Emotional stress should be taken into account when screening for SAS in the Boxer breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pradelli
- Clinica Veterinaria "Gran Sasso", Milan, Italy
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Smets P, Daminet S, Wess G. Simpson's method of discs for measurement of echocardiographic end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes: breed-specific reference ranges in Boxer dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 28:116-22. [PMID: 24428317 PMCID: PMC4895555 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Boxer dogs are predisposed to congenital and adult onset cardiac diseases. Breed‐specific reference values for M‐mode and Doppler echocardiographic measurements previously have been established. Left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic (ESV) and end‐diastolic volumes (EDV) can be measured by M‐mode or two‐dimensional methods, such as Simpson's method of discs (SMOD). Reference ranges for SMOD‐derived LV volumes are lacking. Objectives To determine reference intervals for EDV and ESV in Boxer dogs. Animals Previously collected data from 85 healthy Boxers (37 males and 48 females) were used for analysis. Methods Simpson's method of discs‐derived EDV and ESV were measured using offline analysis by 1 observer, in both the right parasternal and the left apical views. Measurements were compared between both views and between male and female dogs using a t‐test. Reference intervals were established using the mean + 2 × SD. Results Measurements obtained from both views showed good agreement, and mean EDVI and ESVI, indexed to body surface area (BSA), were calculated. Reference intervals were 49–93 mL/m² for EDVI, and 22–50 mL/m² for ESVI. EDV and ESV were significantly higher in males compared with females, when indexing to BSA, but not when indexing to body weight. Conclusion and Clinical Importance The upper limit for ESVI exceeds the previously suggested cut‐off of 30 mL/m² for detection of systolic dysfunction. The reference intervals generated in this study should be useful clinically in the assessment of LV size and function in Boxer dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Smets
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Cunningham SM, Rush JE, Freeman LM, Brown DJ, Smith CE. Echocardiographic ratio indices in overtly healthy Boxer dogs screened for heart disease. J Vet Intern Med 2008; 22:924-30. [PMID: 18537876 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0121.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Boxer dogs are routinely screened by echocardiography to exclude congenital and acquired heart disease. Individuals of a given breed may span a large range of body sizes, potentially invalidating linear regression of M-mode measurements against body weight. Echocardiographic ratio indices (ERIs) provide a novel method of characterizing echocardiographic differences between Boxers and other dog breeds. HYPOTHESIS ERIs obtained from overtly healthy Boxer dogs presented for cardiac screening will be different from ERIs established for normal non-Boxer dogs, and those differences will be unrelated to aortic velocity or systolic blood pressure. ANIMALS Eighty-one Boxers with no outward clinical signs of heart disease were studied. METHODS All dogs were examined by 2-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography. M-mode measurements were used to perform ERI calculations, and the indices in Boxers were compared between Boxers with varying severity of arrhythmia and those of normal non-Boxer dogs. RESULTS Differences in weight-based ERIs, which reflect increased thickness of the left ventricular free wall (LVW) and interventricular septum (IVS) and smaller aortic size, were found in overtly healthy Boxer dogs compared with normal non-Boxer dogs. ERIs of left atrial and LV cavity size in overtly healthy Boxers were not significantly different from those of non-Boxer dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Boxer dogs may have an increased relative thickness of the LVW and IVS that is independent of aortic size, aortic velocity, or arterial blood pressure, and this morphology should be taken into consideration when screening Boxers by echocardiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Cunningham
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Linde A, Koch J. Screening for aortic stenosis in the Boxer: Auscultatory, ECG, blood pressure and Doppler echocardiographic findings. J Vet Cardiol 2006; 8:79-86. [PMID: 19083341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2004] [Revised: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of aortic stenosis (AS) in a group of Boxers evaluated by auscultation, ECG, blood pressure measurement and Doppler-echocardiography. BACKGROUND The Boxer is a breed at significantly increased risk of AS. The prevalence of murmurs and Doppler-echocardiographic findings consistent with AS in this breed is reportedly high. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-nine Boxers were evaluated by auscultation, and final murmur grade recorded after stress testing. Doppler echocardiography was performed in fifty-five adult Boxers. Electrocardiograms (ECG, n=53), non-invasive blood pressure measurement (n=32), and Holter monitoring (n=24) were performed in selected dogs. Degree of AS was based on the aortic peak flow velocity (Ao PFV). Final Ao PFV was recorded as the highest value obtained after stress testing. AS was defined as an Ao PFV>2m/s on continuous wave Doppler, using the subcostal window. Pressure gradients (Deltap) were calculated using the modified Bernoulli equation (Deltap=4V(2)). Mild AS was defined as Deltap=16-40mmHg, moderate AS Deltap=40-75mmHg, and severe AS Deltap>75mmHg. RESULTS 62% of adult Boxers evaluated by echocardiography had an Ao PFV>2m/s suggestive of AS. Systolic basilar ejection murmurs were diagnosed in 73%. Murmur intensity showed a statistically significant correlation with Ao PFV (p<0.05). ECG abnormalities were only detected in dogs with severe AS. CONCLUSION The study reports on systolic murmurs and Doppler-echocardiographic findings consistent with AS, as well as ECG and blood pressure measurements in a sample of pure-breed Boxers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Linde
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, 140 Justin Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-1407, USA
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Quintavalla C, Pradelli D, Domenech O, Bussadori C. TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY OF THE LEFT VENTRICULAR OUTFLOW TRACT, AORTIC VALVE AND ASCENDING AORTA IN BOXER DOGS WITH HEART MURMURS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006; 47:307-12. [PMID: 16700184 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2006.00145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was aimed at evaluating the anatomy of the left ventricular outflow tract, aortic valve, and ascending aorta by means of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography in Boxer dogs with left basilar heart murmurs and at comparing two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic to transesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis of subaortic stenosis in this breed. Twenty-eight Boxers were included in the study and allocated to four groups according to physical and routine transthoracic 2D and Doppler echocardiography findings: group A--dogs with low grade (I-II/VI) heart murmurs without overt evidence of aortic stenosis (14 dogs); group B--dogs with type 1 subaortic stenosis (seven dogs); group C--dogs with type 2 subaortic stenosis (five dogs); group D--dogs with type 3 subaortic stenosis (two dogs). Anatomic lesions were not discovered by transesophageal echocardiography in dogs belonging to group A. Transesophageal imaging confirmed the type of subaortic stenosis, as graded by transthoracic echocardiography, in diseased animals (groups BCD). Morphologic information obtained by transesophageal echocardiography in Boxer dogs was similar to that obtained by transthoracic echocardiography.
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