Cardiovascular Flashcards
What is the aetiology of endocardiosis?
degeneration of the AV valves, cause unknown.
Common in cavalier kings Charles spaniel. Rare in cats
How is endocardiosis diagnosed?
History is suggestive
Clinical signs
Physical examination, auscultation(rhythm, murmur, rate)
Radiography, visualise cardiac silhouette, lung fields
Ultrasounds (no/light sedation), establishes cardiac architecture, chamber size
ECG, detects rhythm abnormalities
Laboratory tests, cardiac enzymes
What is the pathophysiology of endocardiosis?
vascular tissue degenerates, becomes thickened and develops lesions
Valves are unable to close properly.
As valves can’t close properly, regurgitation of blood from ventricles occurs. This blood goes back into the atria. This causes a drop in cardiac output which eventually leads to cardiac enlargement.
When they animal is no longer able to out balance, cardiac output this is when clinical signs are seen.
What are the clinical signs of endocardiosis?
- Murmur
- Exercise intolerance
- Coughing (seen at morning and night mainly)
Later signs: - Ascites
- Dyspnoea
- Weight loss/ anorexia
signs are often sudden onset, patient can often not sleep
What is the aetiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
idiotpathic
Predisposed is maine coon
Can be secondary to hyperhytroidism
What is the pathophysiology of hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy?
Progressive thickening of the ventricular muscle occurs which leads to chambers becoming narrowed reducing chamber volume.
Reduced cardiac output backpressure and atrial enlargement results in altered blood flow which may lead to the development of thrombolism.
Signs of heart failure may only be seen in advanced stages
What are the clinical signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Murmur/gallop rhythm Lethargy Cold paws/ limb paralysis Dyspnoea Tachypnoea
How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnoses?
Thoracic radiography
Cardiac ultrasound
Thyroxine assay
