Canine Cardiomyopathy Flashcards
What is DCM? What breeds are predisposed?
dilated cardiomyopathy - primary myocardial disease characterized by cardiac enlargement and impaired SYSTOLIC function
LARGE BREEDS - Doberman, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Leonberger, Giant Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Flat Coat Retriever
What are some early signs of DCM?
- fainting
- lethargy
- exercise intolerance
- most are asymptomatic until symptoms associated with heart failure acutely develop
What signs of heart failure are associated with DCM?
- respiratory distress from left-sided CHF
- abdominal distension from ascites from right-sided CHF
How is DCM diagnosed?
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY - systolic cardiac dysfunction due to poor contractility and shortened fractions
How are subclinical and clinical dogs with DCM treated?
ACE inhibitors (Enalapril, Benazepril) and/or Pimobendan
ventricular tachycardia –> Sotalol, Amiodarone, Mexilitine, low-dose Atenolol
What is ARVC?
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy - autosomal (FAMILIAL) dominant trait, primarily in Boxers, where VPCs occur and can cause sudden cardiac death, even at a young age
What is required to diagnose ARVC?
24 hour Holter monitor to assess the severity and response to treatment
(brief ECGs can dramatically overestimate or underestimate frequency of VPCs due to their intermittent nature)
What are the 3 levels ARVC? What treatments are recommended for each?
- asymptomatic dogs with VPCs (>100 per hour or runs of couplets, triplets, or ventricular tachycardia) - NONE
- symptomatic dogs (syncope) - Sotalol or Mexiletine/Atenolol combo based on response
- systolic dysfunction with DCM - Enalapril/Benazepril, Pimobendan, Sotalol, Amiodarone, Mexilitine, low-dose Atenolol
What do some cardiologists recommend supplementing in dogs with systolic dysfunction with DCM in cases of AVRC?
L-carnitine
