Pericardial disease

Question 1

Pericardial disease

Answer 1

Uncommon in cats and dogs

Question 2

Pericardial disease

Answer 2

Can lead to an effusion in the pericardial sac, the sac is inelastic meaning fluid accumulation reduces the space for cardiac expansion. Known as a pericardial tamponade (abdnormal pressure on the body)

Question 3

Symptoms of pericardial disease

Answer 3

-Ascities -muffled heart sounds

Question 4

Treatment of Pericardial disease

Answer 4

Aspiration of fluid

Question 5

Pericarditis

Answer 5

Inflammation of the serious lining of the pericardial sac as a result of bacterial infection

Question 6

Haemorrhage

Answer 6

Secondary to tumour of the heart (haemangiosarcomas) though can be idiopathic in German Sheppard

Question 7

Normal ranges

Answer 7

Dog 70-140

Cat 100-200

Question 8

Symptoms of congestive heart failure

Answer 8

-Tachycardia -weak pulses -lethargy -exercise intolerance -cyanotic muscous membranes -ascites -hepatomegaly (big liver) -weight loss

Question 9

Left sided heart failure

Answer 9

• Causes a back pressure of fluid on the lungs

- Typically results in pulmonary oedema and congestion

Question 10

Clinical signs of left sided heart failure

Answer 10

-Dyspnoea -Coughing -Tachypnoea -Exercise intolerance -Fatigue -Lethargy -Tachycardia -Weak pulses -Murmur -Dysrhythmia

Question 11

Right sided heart failure

Answer 11

-Causes a back flow into the vena cava

Question 12

Right sided heart failure

Answer 12

Typically results in congestion of the liver and spleen

-Hepatomegaly -Splenomegaly -Ascities -Jugular pulse and ventral oedema