Cardiovascular Diseases Flashcards
What is dilated cardiomyopathy
Second most common cardiac disease in dogs
Common in giant breeds (dobermans and Great Danes)
Weakened heart muscle and stretched chambers > less effective pumping (decreases outflow = decreased perfusion) (back up = pulmonary hypertension)
What are the biggest concerns with dilated cardiomyopathy
Pulmonary edema and decreased perfusion
What are the presenting complaints with dilated cardiomyopathy
Weak, shaking, lethargy, exercise intolerance, syncope
Coughing and breathing problems
Sudden collapse
What are the treatment goals with dilated cardiomyopathy
Increase perfusion
Decrease heart rate
Correct pulmonary hypertension
Never stop meds (Vetmedin increases Contractility strength) (viagra)
Low salt diets
Controlled exercise
Taurine may have an effect
What is the prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy
No cure, only supportive care
Quality of life can be made good but they will die
What is mitral valve disease
Degenerative
Number one most common cardiac disease in dogs
Can be made worse with dental disease
Common in small breeds
The valves (most the mitral valve) become thick and enlarged. Blood is unable to pass through which results in back flow and leaking of blood and turbulence (murmur)
Describe the pathology of mitral valve disease
Damaged valves don’t close properly
Leaking valve = turbulence = murmur
Heart has to work hard to pump the same amount of blood around which can lead to HCM
Initially there are no signs until it progresses
Why are owners told to journal and monitor resting respiratory rates in patients with mitral valve disease
A gradual increase indicates the disease is progressing
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The thickening of the heart muscles from the heart having to work harder to pump blood around. Results in smaller chambers
Initially looks normal because thickening of the muscles begins inwards
Who does hypertrophic cardiomyopathy present in
Most common cardiac disease in cats (primary disease in main coons and rag dolls or it can be secondary to hyperthyroidism)
Also seen in small dogs secondary to mitral valve disease
Describe the pathology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Ventricular volume is reduced, so heart can’t pump out as much blood (decreased perfusion)
Blood backs up (pulmonary hypertension and edema and pleural effusion)
Mostly happens on the left side of the heart
What are the presenting complaints of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Emergency: exercise intolerance, coughing, weakness, shaking, syncope, collapse, open mouth breathing and increased effort in cats, cyanosis and pale MM
Not common to see syncope in cats
Don’t stress them out they can die
What are the treatment goals of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Slow down the heart rate
Decrease pulmonary hypertension (meds and decrease stress)
Don’t stop medications
Low salt diets
Oxygenation chambers
Treat hyperthyroidism if it is secondary to it in cats
What is the prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
If showing signs of heart failure the prognosis is very poor (just prolonging death)
Describe heart worm (dirofilaria immitis)
Transmitted through mosquitoes
Can cause damaged and blockage to the heart
Not prevalent in Saskatchewan (seen with travel)
Signalment: dog > cats > ferrets
Worms can migrate to various areas in the body
