Metabolic gene therapy in a canine with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) stands out as the most prevalent acquired canine heart disease. Its occurrence can reach up to 40% in small breed dogs and escalates in geriatric canine populations. MMVD leads to thickening and incomplete coaptation of valve leaflets during systole, resulting in secondary mitral valve regurgitation.

Canine infantile left ventricular noncompaction.

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy currently described in humans and cats. It consists of a spongy myocardium characterized by prominent trabeculation and deep recesses involving more than 50% of the ventricular thickness. We describe the clinical and pathological features of LVNC combined with tricuspid valve dysplasia, double-orifice tricuspid valve and severe pulmonary stenosis in a puppy.

Successful management of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia using defibrillation and intravenous amiodarone therapy in a cat.

Objective: To describe the successful management of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) using cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including defibrillation, followed by continuous rate infusion of IV amiodarone, in a cat with cardiac arrest secondary to tachyarrhythmia.

Case Summary: A 12-year-old previously healthy neutered male Scottish Fold cat presented following an acute episode of collapse. Initial physical examination revealed severe tachycardia and cardiovascular collapse.

Combined double chambered right ventricle, tricuspid valve dysplasia, ventricular septal defect, and subaortic stenosis in a dog.

Background: Double chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a congenital heart anomaly where the right ventricle is divided into two chambers. We describe, for the first time, an unusual combination of DCRV combined with some other congenital heart defects.

Case Presentation: A 1.

Sleeping and resting respiratory rates in dogs with subclinical heart disease.

Objective: To characterize sleeping respiratory rates (SRRs) and resting respiratory rates (RRRs), collected in the home environment, of dogs with subclinical heart disease that could result in left-sided congestive heart failure.

Design: Prospective cross-sectional study.

Animals: 190 adult dogs with subclinical left-sided heart disease.

Expression of urocortin peptides in canine myocardium and plasma.

Urocortin (Ucn) peptides are the endogenous ligands for the corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 receptor (CRFR2). They have potentially important roles in cardiovascular physiology in health and disease, and show promise as therapeutics for congestive heart failure. Analysis of canine heart tissue showed mRNA expression of Ucn 1, Ucn 3 and CRFR2 in all heart chambers.

Molecular detection of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella koehlerae from aortic valves of Boxer dogs with infective endocarditis.

Cardiac aortic valves from five dogs that died from acquired infective endocarditis were retrospectively molecularly screened for Bartonella infection. Identification was carried out using PCR targeting four gene fragments (rpoB, ribC, 16S rRNA and gltA), and the 16S-23S intergenic spacer (ITS). Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in aortic valve tissue from one Boxer dog with moderate subaortic stenosis (SAS).

Ventricular rate control using a novel vagus nerve stimulating system in a dog with chronic atrial fibrillation.

A 4-year-old, intact male Dogue de Bordeaux dog with congenital valvular pulmonic stenosis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and chronic atrial fibrillation underwent ultrasound-guided balloon valvuloplasty in addition to pharmacological treatment. Owner compliance to prescribed pharmacotherapy proved very poor, and concerns developed regarding the ability to successfully control heart rate and symptoms using drug therapy alone. These concerns were addressed by the implantation of a novel vagal stimulation system that was programmed to prevent a ventricular rate of >145 bpm.

Incomplete atrioventricular canal complicated by cardiac tamponade and bidirectional shunting in an adult dog.

An incomplete atrioventricular (AV) canal with bidirectional shunting and cardiac tamponade in a 6-year-old dog was initially diagnosed echocardiographically as a common atrium. The dog failed to respond to medical therapy and was euthanized. Upon necropsy, the defect was confirmed as an incomplete AV canal.

Exhaustion of the Frank-Starling mechanism in conscious dogs with heart failure induced by chronic coronary microembolization.

The role of the Frank-Starling mechanism in the regulation of cardiac systolic function in the ischemic failing heart was examined in conscious dogs. Left ventricular (LV) dimension, pressure and systolic function were assessed using surgically implanted instrumentations and non-invasive echocardiogram. Heart failure was induced by daily intra-coronary injections of microspheres for 3-4 weeks via implanted coronary catheters.