Heart Failure

Question 1

What are the clinical signs of right ventricular failure?

Answer 1

Weakness
Exercise intolerance
Tiring easily
Syncope

Question 2

Physical examination of right sided heart failure

Answer 2

Pallor
Jugular venous distension
Pulsation 
Liver and/or spleen enlargement due to congestion 
Tacypnea
Peritoneal or pleural effusion

Question 3

Diagnostic test for right ventricular failure

Answer 3

CVP measurement (will be increased)
Radiographs (may reveal ascites, cardiomegaly, pleural effusion)

Question 4

Left ventricular failure clinical signs

Answer 4

Similar history to right failure PLUS
Coughing
Orthopnea (shortness of breath) 
Hemoptysis
Oliguria

Question 5

Left ventricular failure physical examination

Answer 5

Abnormal cardiac rhythm
Heart murmurs
Auscultable lung crackles
Cyanosis

Question 6

Left ventricular failure diagnosis test

Answer 6

ECG - arrthymias due to myocardial ischemia or atrial enlargement
Radiographs - pulmonary edema (or pleural effusion in cats), cardiomegaly
Low arterial blood pressure
Bloods may reveal renal azotemia, hypoproteinemia, elevated liver enzymes