Sudunagunta S, Hamilton-Elliott J, Dukes-McEwan J. Mitral valve dysplasia in eight English Springer Spaniels.
J Vet Cardiol 2020;
33:52-60. [PMID:
33360833 DOI:
10.1016/j.jvc.2020.11.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
To describe the signalment, physical examination, and echocardiographic findings of a series of English Springer Spaniels (ESSs) diagnosed with congenital mitral valve dysplasia (MD).
ANIMALS
Eight client-owned ESSs with congenital MD referred for murmur investigation and/or suspected congestive heart failure (CHF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospective case series. Medical records and echocardiograms were reviewed to collect relevant data. Echocardiograms were assessed for the following abnormalities consistent with MD: thickened valve leaflets or leaflet tips, a 'hockey stick' appearance to the valve leaflets, abnormal length of one leaflet with respect to the other, and tethering of one or both leaflets to the papillary muscles.
RESULTS
All eight dogs showed the typical echocardiographic lesions associated with MD: thickened leaflet tips (5/8), 'hockey stick' appearance (5/8), elongated anterior leaflet (4/8), tethering of one or both leaflets (7/8). Seven of the eight dogs presented in CHF. Six of the eight dogs had left ventricular dilation in both systole and diastole. Two of the eight dogs had reduced systolic function as assessed by ejection fraction/fractional shortening; however end-systolic volume index was increased in 6/8 dogs. Two dogs subsequently developed atrial fibrillation.
CONCLUSIONS
Congenital MD should be considered in ESSs with a left-sided apical systolic murmur, particularly in younger dogs. The valve changes seen are similar to those reported in other breeds with MD (thickened leaflet tips, hockey stick appearance to open leaflet tips, abnormal leaflet tethering, abnormally shaped leaflets) and may result in marked remodeling and CHF.
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