Pathology of the CV system

Question 1

If normal cardiac function is threatened what are some compensatory methods it will utilize to maintain function?

Answer 1

Increased HR
Increased peripheral resistance
Cardiac dilation –> increased contractility and SV
Myocardial hypertrophy

Question 2

What occurs if there is a failure of compensatory mechanisms?

Answer 2

Congestive heart failure

Question 3

Are the following considered reversible or irreversible damage to cardiomyocytes?

1. Fatty degeneration
2. Vacuolar degeneration
3. Fatty infiltration
4. Myocytolysis

Answer 3

These are all reversible

Question 4

What are two irreversible damages to cardiomyocytes?

Answer 4

Lipofuscinosis and neoplasia

Question 5

If there is an injury to a cardiomyocyte what are the steps it takes to respond?

Answer 5

Hyaline necrosis–> Macrophagic invasion –> healing with fibrosis

Question 6

If you are doing a necrospy and notice that the L ventricular free wall of the heart is thickened. I this a normal finding or not and why?

Answer 6

Yes this is a normal finding because the blood that flows from the left side of the heart goes to systemic circulation so there is more peripheral resistance.

Question 7

During embryonic development there is a bypass between the pulmonary trunk and aorta. what is the name of this structure?

Answer 7

Ductus arteriosus

Question 8

During embryonic development how did oxygenated blood pass straight from the R atrium to the L atrium?

Answer 8

Via Foramen ovale

Question 9

During embryonic development blood from the umbilical vein was shunted past the liver and straight to the vena cava by what structure?

Answer 9

Ductus venosus

Question 10

What embryonic structure becomes the round ligament of the liver after birth?

Answer 10

Umbilical vein

Question 11

You are doing a necropsy on a heart and notice serous atrophy on the heart. What do you think caused this accumulation?

Answer 11

Mobilization of fat stores due to poor nutrition/starvation or chronic GI dz

Question 12

Epicardial hemorrhage - you will see petechiae and ecchymosis in what kind of conditions?

Answer 12

sepsis or endotoxin that can lead to hypoxia

Question 13

cardiac Syncope

Answer 13

acute onset of cardiac failure - can cause unconsciousness, collapse. is caused by abnormal heart rhythm or defective heart valves.

Question 14

What is the most common heart issue in dogs that effects middle aged to older dogs?

Answer 14

Valvular endocardiosis

Question 15

If there is pulmonary edema present which side of the heart is affected?

Answer 15

L sided heart failure

Question 16

Nutmeg liver is often seen in what type of heart failure?

Answer 16

R sided heart failure

Question 17

What is the type of edema is seen in cattle in high altitudes. There is thickening of pulmonary artery and that leads to generalized edema.

Answer 17

Brisket Edema

Question 18

In cats, right sided heart failure may lead to what condition which is different than in the dog?

Answer 18

Hydrothorax

Question 19

During a necropsy what PM changes are we looking for in the heart?

Answer 19

Thickening of the L ventricular free wall
check outside of heart - serous atrophy
fluid
inflammation in the valves
congenital anomalies

Question 20

What clinical signs would you see in a patient with a congenital heart defect?

Answer 20

Stunted growth, cyanosis and exercise intolerance.

Question 21

This is a blood filled cyst found within the leaflets of the valves, seen primarily in cattle and doesn’t usually produce any CS?

Answer 21

Valvular hematocyst