Effect of pimobendan on the incidence of arrhythmias in small breed dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration.

Objective: To determine if pimobendan, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor and calcium sensitizer with positive survival benefits, has an effect on incidence of arrhythmias compared to placebo in small breed dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD).

Animals: Eight client-owned small breed dogs (<15 kg) with CHF due to MMVD.

Methods: A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover study design was used.

Fossa ovalis tear causing right to left shunting in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Left atrial tear is an infrequent sequela of severe mitral regurgitation due to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. Interatrial septal tear due to mitral regurgitation causing a left-to-right shunt is uncommon. Right to left shunting secondary to acute interatrial septal tear is very rarely reported in the human literature, and has not been reported in the veterinary literature in a dog.

Aortic thrombosis in dogs: 31 cases (2000-2010).

Objective: To describe clinical signs, treatment, and outcome of aortic thrombosis in dogs.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: 31 dogs with aortic thrombosis.