Cardiology Flashcards
What type of congestive heart failure (CHF) is seen in cats with pleural effusion?
Left CHF
What type of congestive heart failure (CHF) is seen in dogs due to pleural effusion?
Right CHF
Describe the physical examination to assess cardiac issues.
- Observe the animal
- Listen to the animal
- Jugular palpation
- Precardium palpation
- Abdominal palpation
- Pulse palpation
- Ausculation of thorax
What does a high level of Troponin-I in the blood indicate?
Myocardial damage
What does a high level of pro-Brain Natriuretic Pepetide in the blood indicate?
Myocardial stretch
At what phase of respiration should a radiograph be taken to better visualize the heart?
Peak of inspiration
How is a supraventricular premature complex shown on a lead 2 ECG?
QRS wave will be present without a P wave
What is atrial fibrillation? What causes this condition
- Spontaenous depolarization of the atria. This is the most common heart complex
- Caused with large atria of a certain critical mass (refraction period is not long enough) and the random stimulation of the atrioventricular node causing a tall and narrow QRS
What will be seen on a lead 2 ECG showing a ventricular premature complex?
Wide QRS wave (because it is slower to generate)
How is a first-degree atrioventricular block viusalized on a lead 2 ECG?
- Lengthened P-R interval. The impulse conducting from atria to ventricles through the atrioventricular node (AV node) is delayed and travels slower than normal
What is indicative of a second degree AV block on a lead 2 ECG?
The P wave does not always initiate the QRS complex indicating a conduction block between the atria and ventricles
What is indicative of a third degree atrioventricular block on a lead 2 ECG?
- Wide and short QRS waves, long pauses between heart beats, P waves not accompanied by QRS waves
- Indicative that heart beat is trying to be generated from the ventricle the impulse generated in the sinoatrial node (SA node) in the atrium of the heart does not propagate to the ventricles. The impulse generated in the sinoatrial node (SA node) in the atrium of the heart does not propagate to the ventricles.
How does atrial standstill manifest on a lead 2 ECG?
Tall and spikey T wave
How does right ventricular enlargement manifest on a lead 2 EGG?
- Deep S wave
What is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs?
Aortic stenosis
Which breeds are predisposed to aortic stenosis?
Big breeds of dog
Upon radiographic examination of the heart, where will a buldge be found that accompanies aortic stenosis?
12 o’clock to 1 o’clock
Describe the pathophysiology of patent ductus arteriosis (PDA).
Persitent foetal connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery will cause left heart to right heart shunting of blood and distal parts of the body will not recieve enough oxygenated blood
Upon ausculation of the heart of a Cavalier King Charles’ Spaniel presenting with exercise intolerance a continuous “machinery”-type murmur upon thoracic auscultation. The dog also has bounding pulse. Name a likely differential.
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
What breeds are predisposed to pulmonic stenosis?
Boxers, Beagles, Bull mastifs, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Minature Schnauzers, Terriers, and Chihuahuas
A Cocker Spaniel presents with exercise intolerance, ascites, and a harsh, left base systolic murmur. What is a likely differential?
Pulmonic stenosis
What is the mitral valve?
Valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart
A Great Dane presents with coughing, exercise intolerance, dyspnoea, and a harsh pansystolic murmur which is loudest over the left apex of the heart. What is a likely differential?
Mitral valve dysplasia
What is the tricuspid valve?
Valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle
An Irish Setter presents with a harsh systolic murmur audible over the right apex of the heart and jugular venous distention and pulsations. What is a likely differential?
- Tricuspid (between the right atrium and right ventricle) dysplasia
- Malformation of part of the Tricuspid valve apparatus leading to insufficiency
What is the most common cause of pericardial effusion in dogs?
Idiopathic
What is likley to be seen upon radiation of the thorax of an animal with pericardial effusion?
- Lungs appear to be smaller and underperfused
- Vessels appear to be smaller
Describe the Electrical alternans ECG pattern. For which condition is this pattern likely to occur?
- Variation in the amplitude to the R wave
- Occurs due to heart swinging in the pericardial sac caused by pericardial effusion
Which side of the heart will fail with pericardial effusion?
Right side
What may be seen on the ECG reading of a pericardial disease patient?
- Sinus tachycardia
- Low height QRS
Describe the prominent features of the following radiograph. What is a likely differential?
- Lungs are underperfused and vessels are tiny
- Large, globoid cardiac silhouette
- Likely to be pericardial effusion
Name some treatments for pericardial disease.
- Pericardiocentesis
- Sub-total pericardiectomy
Why is it essential to confirm congestive heart failure before proceeding with treatment?
Therapy for congestive heart failure (diuretic use) is contraindicated in animals with pericardial disease, which may present similarly.
What type of heart failure does angiostrongulus vasorum cause?
Right-sided congestive heart failure
What haematological changes are likely to be seen in a dog infected with angiostrongylus vasorum?
- Eosinophilia
- Thombocytopenia
- Anaemia
What is likely to be seen radiographically in an individual with angiostrongylus vasorum?
- Mixed parenchymal changes
- Patchy alveolar density and/or diffuse interstitial pattern
- Pulmonary arterial enlargement/torturosity
- Right heart enlargment may be noted