Hypertrophic phenotypic cardiomyopathy in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease in domestic cats but is rarely described in wild species. This phenotype is characterized by concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle and may be of familial inheritance or secondary to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. HCM can cause diastolic and systolic dysfunction and may cause congestive heart failure in affected animals. The present work aims to describe the first report of cardiomyopathy of the hypertrophic phenotype in a specimen of Leopardus pardalis, kept under human care. Case: A 11-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kept under human care, during a preventive care visit, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype detected by cardiological evaluation with echocardiogram and a murmur grade III/ VI could be detected on cardiac auscultation. This preventive care occurred under chemical restraint with ketamine [6 mg/kg, i.m] associates with midazolam [0.5 mg/kg, i.m] and other evaluations have been done like complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, albumin:globulin ratio, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and globulin) and tyroid hormones [free tyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Medical management based on clopidogrel, and atenolol was administered for 3 months until the patient showed manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) 80 days later the initial evaluation. In this moment the patient presented with dyspnea, so a cardiological and laboratory evaluation was requested. On pulmonary auscultation crackling was identified, suggesting pulmonary edema and, on echocardiographic examination, some parameters had worsened. The CBC and biochemistry were all within reference ranges. Then, the beta-blocker was discontinued and replaced by pimobendan combined with furosemide as treatment of CHF, and the condition stabilized. After one year, the patient was re-evaluated and showed a slight improvement in the condition but still remained stable. Also, feline proBNP levels was tested (SNAP Feline proBNP® IDEXX) in this moment and it was increased. Discussion: The findings on echocardiography associated with the subjective evaluation associated with progressive worsening and clinical manifestation of CHF, as well as the response to treatment, even though there are no reference values for the species, reinforce the diagnosis. There is no evidence to suggest diseases that may contribute to secondary left ventricular hypertrophy. It is believed that pimobendan plays a key role in maintaining hemodynamic balance, since this has already been observed in other mammalian species. The use of beta blockers is commonly employed in domestic cats with HCM, and they have been prescribed in an attempt to promote greater ventricular relaxation, decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction, thus improving ventricular filling for maintenance of cardiac output. In view of the atrial enlargement and possible risk of thrombus formation, clopidogrel was prescribed, extrapolating what is known from domestic cats. It is reasonable to conclude that in this case, the cardiomyopathy behaved similarly to what is observed in domestic cats, both in its clinical evolution and in the means of diagnosis, and in its response to the therapy instituted.

Eletrocardiografia basal e após exercício em cães braquicefálicos / Baseline and post exercise electrocardiography in brachycephalic dogs

Background: The brachycephalic dog breeds have been increasing in Brazil, and these animals are predisposed to present the brachycephalic dog syndrome, consisting of anatomical defects that lead to physiological changes and clinical signs such as wheezing, dyspnea, and hypoxia. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a simple test that can detect disturbances in the electrical activity of the heart, including changes present in hypoxia. The brachycephalic dog syndrome can lead to pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxia. Based on this, the present work aimed to evaluate the ECG of brachycephalic dogs in search of significant changes in heart rhythm, ECG waves, and cardiac axis. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-nine dogs were evaluated in this study, 19 brachycephalic and 10 mesaticephalic, after approval by an ethics committee the animals were selected. Electrocardiographic examinations were performed in 2 stages, at rest and immediately after a 3-min trot. The exam was performed with a computerized electrocardiograph, with a standard time of 5 min. The standard positioning for performing the examination was the right lateral decubitus position. To improve the electrical conductivity, 70% alcohol was used between the animal's skin and the electrodes. In statistical analysis, paired t test was performed for comparison of the same group before and after exercise and unpaired t test between groups at the same moments, considering P < 0.05 as significant. Nineteen brachycephalic animals were evaluated, 10 Pugs and 9 French Bulldogs, 9 males and 10 females. The mean age was 3.4 ± 1.8 years; and the mean weight was 12.5 kg ± 2.7 kg. In the control group, consisting of ten mesaticephalic animals, all were non-breed, three males and seven females; the mean age and weight in this group were 4.4 ± 1.5 years and 7.5 kg ± 0.5 kg, respectively. There was a significant increase in heart rate (bpm) after exercise in brachycephalic dogs (baseline: 119.3 ± 4.3; after exercise: 135.1 ± 4.9; P = 0.0005). The same occurred for P wave amplitude (mV) (baseline: 0.20 ± 0.01; after exercise: 0.22 ± 0.01; P = 0.0001). These differences were not found in the control group. There were no alterations in the duration of the P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, and QT interval, and all were within normal values for the species in both groups. The R-wave amplitude remained unaltered and within normal values in both the control and brachycephalic groups. Discussion: The elevation in heart rate may be associated with the chemoreflex secondary to the increased demand for oxygenation during exercise and the hypoxia generated by it. The increase in P amplitude suggests right atrial overload. The P wave corresponds to the atrial depolarization and its amplitude corresponds to the electrical activity in the right atrium. Thus, it is possible to relate the increase in P amplitude and heart rate to the hypoxia caused by exercise in brachycephalic, since this hypoxia results in chemoreceptor activation that increases chronotropism and heart rate. Also, there may be increased pressure in the pulmonary trunk, this increased pressure occurs due to vasoconstriction generated as a reflex to hypoxia in the pulmonary alveoli, leading to a possible picture of acute pulmonary hypertension that, in a cascade effect, leads to hypertrophy and dilation of the right ventricle, increased strength of contractility and ejection affecting the tricuspid valve causing a reflux and consequent overload of the right atrium.

Pressure-induced left ventricular hypertrophy in canine model of aortic stenosis using nylon tie

The aim of this study was to develop an experimentally-induced canine model of left ventricular hypertrophy through banding of the ascending aorta using nylon ties. Seven clinically normal dogs free of cardiovascular disease were used. Nylon tie was used in banding the mid-ascending aorta. Clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic evaluations were done at 1.5, 3 and 6 months. Dogs were euthanized at 6 months for post mortem and histopathological evaluation. Clinically, dogs did not exhibit any signs of cardiovascular disease at 1.5 or 3 months, while at 6 months two dogs (28.6 %) exhibited mild weight loss, exercise intolerance and heart murmurs. Radiographic evaluation revealed significant increase in cardiac size only at 6 months based on measurement of the cardiothoracic area evaluation. Echocardiography revealed increased left ventricular wall thickness starting from 1.5 month, although this increase was statistically significant at 3 and 6 months (p > 0.05). Left ventricular hypertrophy was confirmed by post mortem examination. Histopathological sections of left ventricle in all dogs demonstrated myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. This model simulates the naturally occurring ventricular hypertrophy using a rapid and economic technique. Such models are required to understand pathogenesis of heart disease and to develop effective treatment strategy.

Função miocárdica ventricular esquerda em uma gata com cardiomiopatia fenótipo não específico / Left ventricular myocardial function in a cat with nonspecific cardiomyopathy phenotype

Background: Non-specific phenotype feline cardiomyopathy (CFNE) is one that does not fit properly in the other categories, and it is necessary to describe in detail the morphology and cardiac function. The causes of CFNE is not very clear, and it may be due to congenital or acquired disease, or also to primary or secondary myocardial dysfunction associated with other conditions. In symptomatic cases, the clinical signs observed are compatible with left congestive heart failure (ICCE). This study reports a CFNE case in an asymptomatic cat, in order to demonstrate the importance of echocardiographic examination in the early diagnosis of the disease. Case: A 6.5-year-old non-neutered crossbred cat weighing 3.1 kg was seen at the institution’s veterinary hospital for routine cardiac evaluation. No clinical signs were reported in the history. On physical examination, the animal presented calm behavior, body score 5/9, heart rate 200 bpm, systolic blood pressure of 102 mmHg, respiratory rate 64 mrp, and other normal parameters. CBC and urinalysis laboratory tests were requested, which were unchanged. The electrocardiogram showed normal patterns. In the conventional echocardiographic examination, a significant increase in the left atrium (LA) was observed, and the LA/Ao ratio was 2.05 and the diastolic function was abnormal. There was no presence of concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV), the thickness of the ventricular wall measured at different points, in the two-dimensional mode and the M mode, was less than 5 millimeters. Other parameters of conventional echocardiography were within the normal range. Through these echocardiographic findings, the suggestive diagnosis was non-specific phenotype cardiomyopathy, with a significant increase in LA. For the...

Função miocárdica ventricular esquerda em uma gata com cardiomiopatia fenótipo não específico / Left ventricular myocardial function in a cat with nonspecific cardiomyopathy phenotype

Background: Non-specific phenotype feline cardiomyopathy (CFNE) is one that does not fit properly in the other categories, and it is necessary to describe in detail the morphology and cardiac function. The causes of CFNE is not very clear, and it may be due to congenital or acquired disease, or also to primary or secondary myocardial dysfunction associated with other conditions. In symptomatic cases, the clinical signs observed are compatible with left congestive heart failure (ICCE). This study reports a CFNE case in an asymptomatic cat, in order to demonstrate the importance of echocardiographic examination in the early diagnosis of the disease. Case: A 6.5-year-old non-neutered crossbred cat weighing 3.1 kg was seen at the institutions veterinary hospital for routine cardiac evaluation. No clinical signs were reported in the history. On physical examination, the animal presented calm behavior, body score 5/9, heart rate 200 bpm, systolic blood pressure of 102 mmHg, respiratory rate 64 mrp, and other normal parameters. CBC and urinalysis laboratory tests were requested, which were unchanged. The electrocardiogram showed normal patterns. In the conventional echocardiographic examination, a significant increase in the left atrium (LA) was observed, and the LA/Ao ratio was 2.05 and the diastolic function was abnormal. There was no presence of concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV), the thickness of the ventricular wall measured at different points, in the two-dimensional mode and the M mode, was less than 5 millimeters. Other parameters of conventional echocardiography were within the normal range. Through these echocardiographic findings, the suggestive diagnosis was non-specific phenotype cardiomyopathy, with a significant increase in LA. For the...(AU)

Correlação entre a deflexão intrinsecoide, classificação clínica e parâmetros ecocardiográficos em cães com degeneração mixomatosa valvar mitral / Correlation between intrinsecoid deflection, clinical classification and echocardiographic parameters in dogs with degenerative mitral valve myxomatosis

A degeneração mixomatosa valvar mitral (DMVM) costuma ser diagnosticada pelo ecocardiograma, porém o eletrocardiograma (ECG) pode sugerir alterações específicas e auxiliar no diagnóstico e no tratamento. A deflexão intrinsecóide (DI) é uma medida simples do ECG, que representa o início da despolarização ventricular e pode indicar a presença de sobrecargas e hipertrofia no ventrículo esquerdo. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar dados prévios sobre condição clínica e ecocardiograma de cães com endocardiose de mitral e o valor da deflexão intrinsecóide do ECG, para buscar uma relação de concordância. Foram selecionados os arquivos de 45 cães anteriormente atendidos na rotina clínica do HV-UPFR. A estatística mostrou diferença relevante nos grupos B1, B2 e C nas derivações D2, D3, aVF, rV, V2 e V4 (P<0,05), o que permitiu classificá-los de acordo com o tamanho da DI, e esse resultado correspondeu à classificação do consenso de endocardiose de mitral em cães nesses estágios. Concluiu-se que há um aumento gradativo no valor da DI à medida que a DMVM avança, principalmente nos estágios B1, B2 e C, associado à sobrecarga e à hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, portanto esse parâmetro pode ser usado na classificação da doença.(AU)

The mitral valve myxomatous degeneration (DMVM) is usually diagnosed by echocardiography, however, electrocardiogram (ECG) may suggest specific alterations and aid diagnosis and treatment. Intrinsicoid deflection (DI) is a simple ECG measure that represents the onset of ventricular depolarization and may indicate the presence of overload and hypertrophy in the left ventricle. The objective of this study is to compare previous data on clinical condition and echocardiogram of dogs with mitral endocardiosis and the value of the intrinsicoid deflection from ECG to obtain a concordance relation. The archives of 45 previously examined dogs in the clinical routine of HV-UFPR were selected. The statistic showed a significant difference in groups B1, B2 and C in leads D2, D3, aVF, rV, V2 and V4 (P< 0,05), which allowed to classify them according to the DI size, and this result corresponded to the consensus classification of mitral endocardiosis in dogs at these stages. It was concluded that there is a gradual increase in the value of DI as DMVM progresses, especially in stages B1, B2 and C, associated with left ventricular overload and hypertrophy, so this parameter can be used to classify the disease.(AU)

Correlação entre a deflexão intrinsecoide, classificação clínica e parâmetros ecocardiográficos em cães com degeneração mixomatosa valvar mitral / Correlation between intrinsecoid deflection, clinical classification and echocardiographic parameters in dogs with degenerative mitral valve myxomatosis

A degeneração mixomatosa valvar mitral (DMVM) costuma ser diagnosticada pelo ecocardiograma, porém o eletrocardiograma (ECG) pode sugerir alterações específicas e auxiliar no diagnóstico e no tratamento. A deflexão intrinsecóide (DI) é uma medida simples do ECG, que representa o início da despolarização ventricular e pode indicar a presença de sobrecargas e hipertrofia no ventrículo esquerdo. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar dados prévios sobre condição clínica e ecocardiograma de cães com endocardiose de mitral e o valor da deflexão intrinsecóide do ECG, para buscar uma relação de concordância. Foram selecionados os arquivos de 45 cães anteriormente atendidos na rotina clínica do HV-UPFR. A estatística mostrou diferença relevante nos grupos B1, B2 e C nas derivações D2, D3, aVF, rV, V2 e V4 (P<0,05), o que permitiu classificá-los de acordo com o tamanho da DI, e esse resultado correspondeu à classificação do consenso de endocardiose de mitral em cães nesses estágios. Concluiu-se que há um aumento gradativo no valor da DI à medida que a DMVM avança, principalmente nos estágios B1, B2 e C, associado à sobrecarga e à hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, portanto esse parâmetro pode ser usado na classificação da doença.(AU)

The mitral valve myxomatous degeneration (DMVM) is usually diagnosed by echocardiography, however, electrocardiogram (ECG) may suggest specific alterations and aid diagnosis and treatment. Intrinsicoid deflection (DI) is a simple ECG measure that represents the onset of ventricular depolarization and may indicate the presence of overload and hypertrophy in the left ventricle. The objective of this study is to compare previous data on clinical condition and echocardiogram of dogs with mitral endocardiosis and the value of the intrinsicoid deflection from ECG to obtain a concordance relation. The archives of 45 previously examined dogs in the clinical routine of HV-UFPR were selected. The statistic showed a significant difference in groups B1, B2 and C in leads D2, D3, aVF, rV, V2 and V4 (P< 0,05), which allowed to classify them according to the DI size, and this result corresponded to the consensus classification of mitral endocardiosis in dogs at these stages. It was concluded that there is a gradual increase in the value of DI as DMVM progresses, especially in stages B1, B2 and C, associated with left ventricular overload and hypertrophy, so this parameter can be used to classify the disease.(AU)

Morphometric assessment of canine heart without macroscopically visible changes caused by cardiac disease / Avaliação morfométrica do coração canino sem alterações macroscópicas de doença cardíaca

The purpose of this study was to collect data on the cardiac morphometry of thirty adult male and female dogs without macroscopic changes indicative of heart disease, regardless of animal's body weight and score. The dogs were weighed, grouped according to their body weight, and necropsied for a macroscopic evaluation of their cardiac measurements. The data obtained were included in a database. The following cardiac measures were evaluated: vertical and horizontal axes, weight, volume, thickness of the right and left atria and ventricles, and horizontal and vertical axes of the atrial and ventricular chambers. The heart weight was found to represent 0.6 to 1.1% of the animal's body weight. No differences were found in cardiac size and weight as a function of sex. The ratio between the vertical and horizontal cardiac axes was 1.11. The left ventricle was found to be 1.6 to threefold thicker than the right ventricle. The results were considered standard for dogs and can be used for macroscopic evaluations of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation.

Avaliou-se morfometricamente o coração de 30 cães adultos, sem histórico de doença cardíaca, sem restrição quanto ao porte e escore corporal, encaminhados para exame necroscópico e que não apresentavam alterações macroscópicas. A maioria dos animais era sem raça definida, sendo 14 machos e 16 fêmeas. Observou-se correlação positiva do peso dos cães com o tamanho do coração, com a espessura das paredes dos ventrículos e átrios, assim como com a largura e o comprimento das câmaras. Ainda, não foi constatada correlação entre a espessura dos átrios direito e esquerdo e o peso dos animais. A relação entre o peso cardíaco e o peso corpóreo dos cães foi mensurada individualmente, obtendo-se que o peso do coração representa de 0,6% a 1,1% do peso corporal. Não foram observadas diferenças relacionadas ao sexo. Na avaliação do quociente de relação entre os eixos cardíacos vertical e horizontal obteve-se o índice de 1,11 +/- 0,21. Em relação à proporção da espessura muscular dos ventrículos esquerdo e direito, obteve-se espessura do ventrículo esquerdo 1,6 a três vezes maior que a do ventrículo direito. Os dados desta pesquisa contribuem na construção de tabelas com valores de referência das diferentes medidas cardíacas em cães.

Morphometric assessment of canine heart without macroscopically visible changes caused by cardiac disease / Avaliação morfométrica do coração canino sem alterações macroscópicas de doença cardíaca

The purpose of this study was to collect data on the cardiac morphometry of thirty adult male and female dogs without macroscopic changes indicative of heart disease, regardless of animal's body weight and score. The dogs were weighed, grouped according to their body weight, and necropsied for a macroscopic evaluation of their cardiac measurements. The data obtained were included in a database. The following cardiac measures were evaluated: vertical and horizontal axes, weight, volume, thickness of the right and left atria and ventricles, and horizontal and vertical axes of the atrial and ventricular chambers. The heart weight was found to represent 0.6 to 1.1% of the animal's body weight. No differences were found in cardiac size and weight as a function of sex. The ratio between the vertical and horizontal cardiac axes was 1.11. The left ventricle was found to be 1.6 to threefold thicker than the right ventricle. The results were considered standard for dogs and can be used for macroscopic evaluations of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation.(AU)

Avaliou-se morfometricamente o coração de 30 cães adultos, sem histórico de doença cardíaca, sem restrição quanto ao porte e escore corporal, encaminhados para exame necroscópico e que não apresentavam alterações macroscópicas. A maioria dos animais era sem raça definida, sendo 14 machos e 16 fêmeas. Observou-se correlação positiva do peso dos cães com o tamanho do coração, com a espessura das paredes dos ventrículos e átrios, assim como com a largura e o comprimento das câmaras. Ainda, não foi constatada correlação entre a espessura dos átrios direito e esquerdo e o peso dos animais. A relação entre o peso cardíaco e o peso corpóreo dos cães foi mensurada individualmente, obtendo-se que o peso do coração representa de 0,6% a 1,1% do peso corporal. Não foram observadas diferenças relacionadas ao sexo. Na avaliação do quociente de relação entre os eixos cardíacos vertical e horizontal obteve-se o índice de 1,11 +/- 0,21. Em relação à proporção da espessura muscular dos ventrículos esquerdo e direito, obteve-se espessura do ventrículo esquerdo 1,6 a três vezes maior que a do ventrículo direito. Os dados desta pesquisa contribuem na construção de tabelas com valores de referência das diferentes medidas cardíacas em cães.(AU)

Aortic stenosis with abnormal eccentric left ventricular remodeling secondary to hypothyroidism in a Bourdeaux Mastiff / Estenose aórtica com remodelamento excêntrico anormal do ventrículo esquerdo secundário ao hipotireoidismo em um cão Dogue de Bordeaux

This paper describes a case of congenital aortic stenosis with eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy associated with hypothyroidism in a 1-year-old Bourdeaux Mastiff dog. The dog had ascites, apathy, alopecic and erythematous skin lesions in different parts of the body. A two-dimensional echocardiogram revealed aortic valve stenosis, with poststenotic dilation in the ascending aorta. The same exam showed eccentric hypertrophy and dilation of the left ventricle during systole and diastole. Aortic stenosis usually results in concentric left ventricular hypertrophy instead of eccentric hypertrophy; and therefore, this finding was very unusual. Hypothyroidism, which is uncommon in young dogs, may be incriminated as the cause of ventricular dilation, making this report even more interesting. Because hypothyroidism would only result in dilatation, the eccentric hypertrophy was attributed to pressure overload caused by aortic stenosis. Thus, cardiac alterations of this case represent a paradoxical association of both diseases.

Este trabalho descreve um caso de estenose aórtica congênita com hipertrofia excêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo associado ao hipotireoidismo em um cão Dogue de Bordeaux. O cão, de um ano de idade, apresentava ascite, apatia, lesões cutâneas alopécicas e eritematosas generalizadas. Na ecocardiografia bidimensional foi observada estenose da valva aórtica, com dilatação pós-estenótica em aorta ascendente. Foi detectado, no mesmo exame, hipertrofia excêntrica e dilatação do ventrículo esquerdo em sístole e diástole. Usualmente, como consequência, a estenose aórtica causa hipertrofia concêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo e não hipertrofia excêntrica, sendo este achado infrequente em tal cardiopatia. O hipotireoidismo, incomum em cães jovens, pode representar a causa da dilatação ventricular observada, o que torna mais relevante esse relato. Como no hipotireoidismo é esperado apenas dilatação, a hipertrofia excêntrica supostamente é atribuída à sobrecarga de pressão causada pela estenose aórtica. Dessa forma, as alterações cardíacas deste caso representam uma associação paradoxal das duas afecções.

Aortic stenosis with abnormal eccentric left ventricular remodeling secondary to hypothyroidism in a Bourdeaux Mastiff / Estenose aórtica com remodelamento excêntrico anormal do ventrículo esquerdo secundário ao hipotireoidismo em um cão Dogue de Bordeaux

This paper describes a case of congenital aortic stenosis with eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy associated with hypothyroidism in a 1-year-old Bourdeaux Mastiff dog. The dog had ascites, apathy, alopecic and erythematous skin lesions in different parts of the body. A two-dimensional echocardiogram revealed aortic valve stenosis, with poststenotic dilation in the ascending aorta. The same exam showed eccentric hypertrophy and dilation of the left ventricle during systole and diastole. Aortic stenosis usually results in concentric left ventricular hypertrophy instead of eccentric hypertrophy; and therefore, this finding was very unusual. Hypothyroidism, which is uncommon in young dogs, may be incriminated as the cause of ventricular dilation, making this report even more interesting. Because hypothyroidism would only result in dilatation, the eccentric hypertrophy was attributed to pressure overload caused by aortic stenosis. Thus, cardiac alterations of this case represent a paradoxical association of both diseases.(AU)

Este trabalho descreve um caso de estenose aórtica congênita com hipertrofia excêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo associado ao hipotireoidismo em um cão Dogue de Bordeaux. O cão, de um ano de idade, apresentava ascite, apatia, lesões cutâneas alopécicas e eritematosas generalizadas. Na ecocardiografia bidimensional foi observada estenose da valva aórtica, com dilatação pós-estenótica em aorta ascendente. Foi detectado, no mesmo exame, hipertrofia excêntrica e dilatação do ventrículo esquerdo em sístole e diástole. Usualmente, como consequência, a estenose aórtica causa hipertrofia concêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo e não hipertrofia excêntrica, sendo este achado infrequente em tal cardiopatia. O hipotireoidismo, incomum em cães jovens, pode representar a causa da dilatação ventricular observada, o que torna mais relevante esse relato. Como no hipotireoidismo é esperado apenas dilatação, a hipertrofia excêntrica supostamente é atribuída à sobrecarga de pressão causada pela estenose aórtica. Dessa forma, as alterações cardíacas deste caso representam uma associação paradoxal das duas afecções.(AU)

Paraganglioma de corpo aórtico em cão / Aortic body paraganglioma in dog

Background: Aortic body paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms that develop mainly in aortic and carotid bodies. It has been supposed that genetic factors and chronic hypoxia may stimulate tumor development. The brachycephalic dog breeds, as Boxer, are most predisposed to present this neoplasm. The clinical symptomatology is related to tumor size and localization. Usually aortic body paraganglioma has benign biological behavior, when it is malignant, rarely promotes metastases. The aim of this study was to report a case of the aortic body paraganglioma as death cause in a dog. Case: A canine, 10-year-old, male, cross breed, presented clinical signs as anorexia, emesis, cough, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. After death the animal was examined at the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia. On necropsy, no pericardial effusion was identified, however pleural and abdominal effusion was observed, volume like 1000 and 700 mL, respectively. The heart had a neoplasm near the left atrium, it measured 6.5 x 8.2 cm, had irregular surface, firm consistency, grayish color, and at the cut showed infiltration in the myocardium, as well as obstruction of the left atrial lumen and left ventricle concentric hypertrophy. No distant metastases were found. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of polyhedral morphology cells, eosinophilic cytoplasm, spherical and hyperchromatic nucleus. Cells were grouped into lobes separated by fibrovascular stroma, large cells (less uniform cells), low mitotic rate and myocardial infiltration. On immunohistochemical analysis anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin and anti-S-100 antibodies were used. Tumour cells stained was absent for anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin, but was anti-S-100 positive. A case of malignant aortic body paraganglioma grade II was diagnosed.[…](AU)

Paraganglioma de corpo aórtico em cão / Aortic body paraganglioma in dog

Background: Aortic body paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms that develop mainly in aortic and carotid bodies. It has been supposed that genetic factors and chronic hypoxia may stimulate tumor development. The brachycephalic dog breeds, as Boxer, are most predisposed to present this neoplasm. The clinical symptomatology is related to tumor size and localization. Usually aortic body paraganglioma has benign biological behavior, when it is malignant, rarely promotes metastases. The aim of this study was to report a case of the aortic body paraganglioma as death cause in a dog. Case: A canine, 10-year-old, male, cross breed, presented clinical signs as anorexia, emesis, cough, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. After death the animal was examined at the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia. On necropsy, no pericardial effusion was identified, however pleural and abdominal effusion was observed, volume like 1000 and 700 mL, respectively. The heart had a neoplasm near the left atrium, it measured 6.5 x 8.2 cm, had irregular surface, firm consistency, grayish color, and at the cut showed infiltration in the myocardium, as well as obstruction of the left atrial lumen and left ventricle concentric hypertrophy. No distant metastases were found. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of polyhedral morphology cells, eosinophilic cytoplasm, spherical and hyperchromatic nucleus. Cells were grouped into lobes separated by fibrovascular stroma, large cells (less uniform cells), low mitotic rate and myocardial infiltration. On immunohistochemical analysis anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin and anti-S-100 antibodies were used. Tumour cells stained was absent for anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin, but was anti-S-100 positive. A case of malignant aortic body paraganglioma grade II was diagnosed.[…]

Sensibilidade e especificidade do exame eletrocardiográfico na detecção de sobrecargas atriais e/ou ventriculares em gatos da raça Persa com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica / Sensitivity and specificity of electrocardiographic examination in detecting ventricular or atrial overloads in Persian cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) é a principal cardiopatia dos felinos e é caracterizada por hipertrofia miocárdica concêntrica, sem dilatação ventricular. O ecocardiograma é o melhor meio diagnóstico não invasivo para a diferenciação das cardiomiopatias e é considerado padrão ouro para a detecção de hipertrofia ventricular presente na CMH. Alterações eletrocardiográficas também são comuns em animais com CMH e o eletrocardiograma (ECG) é um teste de triagem para detecção de hipertrofia ventricular em humanos, sendo um exame rápido e facilmente disponível. Em gatos, poucos estudos foram realizados quanto à sensibilidade e especificidade do ECG na detecção de hipertrofia ventricular. Com a intenção de avaliar o uso do ECG como ferramenta de triagem para diagnóstico de CMH em felinos, gatos da raça Persa (n=82) foram avaliados por meio de exames ecocardiográfico e eletrocardiográfico. Animais com bloqueios e/ou distúrbios de condução foram excluídos da análise estatística (n=22). Posteriormente, os animais incluídos foram classificados em: normais (n=38), suspeitos (n=6) e acometidos pela CMH (n=16). Observaram-se diferenças estatísticas na amplitude da onda P em DII e na amplitude de onda R em DII, CV6LL e CV6LU, com valores maiores nos animais com CMH; e nos valores ecocardiográficos de velocidade e gradiente de pressão do fluxo aórtico, diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (AE) e relação AE/Ao, com valores maiores nos gatos com CMH. Dentre os animais com alterações eletrocardiográficas sugestivas de sobrecarga atrial esquerda (n=7), apenas dois realmente apresentavam aumento do AE no ecocardiograma; e dentre os animais com aumento atrial esquerdo ao ecocardiograma (n=7), apenas dois apresentavam alterações eletrocardiográficas sugestivas de sobrecarga do AE (sensibilidade de 40,40% e especificidade de 90,90%). Dentre os gatos com alterações eletrocardiográficas sugestivas de sobrecarga ventricular esquerda (n=6), cinco realmente apresentavam hipertrofia ventricular ao ecocardiograma; e dentre os animais com CMH ao ecocardiograma (n=16), apenas cinco apresentaram alterações eletrocardiográficas sugestivas de sobrecarga do VE (sensibilidade de 31,25% e especificidade de 97,72%). Observou-se correlação positiva entre espessura diastólica do septo interventricular e/ou da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo e a amplitude da onda R em derivações DII e CV6LU. O eletrocardiograma é um exame rápido e de fácil execução, apresenta boa especificidade na detecção de hipertrofia ventricular em felinos, porém, possui baixa sensibilidade, com grande número de falsos negativos. Desta forma, o ECG auxilia no diagnóstico, mas não substitui o ecocardiograma na confirmação da hipertrofia ventricular.(AU)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common feline heart disease and is characterized by increased cardiac mass with a hypertrophied and not dilated left ventricle. The echocardiography is the best noninvasive diagnostic tool for the differentiation of cardiomyopathies and is considered the gold standard for detection of ventricular hypertrophy present in HCM. Electrocardiographic changes are also common in animals with HCM and the electrocardiogram (ECG) is quick, easy and highly available screening test for the detection of ventricular hypertrophy in humans. In cats, few studies have been conducted regarding the sensitivity and specificity of ECG in detecting ventricular hypertrophy. With the intention of evaluating the use of ECG as a screening tool for diagnosis of HCM in cats, Persian cats (n=82) were evaluated by echocardiographic and electrocardiographic examinations. Animals with blocks and/or conduction disturbances were excluded from statistical analysis (n=22). Subsequently the animals included were classified as normal (n=38), suspicious (n=6) and affected by HCM (n=16). Statistical differences were observed in the P-wave amplitude in DII and R-wave amplitude in DII, CV6LL and CV6LU, with higher values in animals with HCM. Velocities and pressure gradient of aortic flow, left atrial diameter (LA) and LA/Ao ratio were higher in cats with HCM. Among the animals with ECG changes suggestive of left atrial enlargement (n=7), only two actually had LA enlargement on echocardiography, and among animals with left atrial enlargement on echocardiogram (n=7), only two had ECG changes suggestive of overload AE (40,4% of sensibility and 90,9% of specificity). Among the animals with ECG changes suggestive of left ventricular hypertrophy (n=6), five actually had ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography, and among animals with HCM by echocardiography (n=16), only five showed electrocardiographic abnormalities suggestive of LV hypertrophy (31,25% of sensibility and 97,72% of specificity). We observed a positive correlation between diastolic thickness of the interventricular septum and/or left ventricular free wall and R-wave amplitude in DII and CV6LU. The electrocardiogram is quick and easy to perform, has good specificity in detecting ventricular hypertrophy in cats, however, has low sensitivity, with large numbers of false negative animals. Thus, the ECG assists in the diagnosis, but does not replace echocardiography in confirming ventricular hypertrophy.(AU)

Borage oil attenuates progression of cardiac remodeling in rats after myocardial infarction

PURPOSE:To investigate the effects of Borage oil on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI).METHODS:Male Wistar rats underwent ligation of the left coronary artery and divided into three groups: MI (control), BO-18 (18 mg/kg of borage oil) and BO-180 (180 mg/kg of borage oil). After seven days, heart was arrested in diastole and processed for histological evaluation of: MI size, LV dilation, myocyte hypertrophy, inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in MI region and in remote region. The relative weight of the lung was used as a marker of heart failure. The MI size was comparable among groups.RESULTS:Compared to control, BO treated groups showed lower weight of heart and lungs, reduced LV dilation and myocyte hypertrophy. Hemodynamic measurements were comparable. The treatment attenuated the inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in remote myocardium.CONCLUSION:Borage oil attenuates progression of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.(AU)

Aspectos patológicos das doenças cardiovasculares não infecciosas em cães e gatos

O diagnóstico de doenças cardiovasculares em animais domésticos representa um desafio para os clínicos veterinários, consequente da alta frequência de doenças subclínicas e uma tendência para os primeiros sinais clínicos de insuficiência cardíaca apresentarem início súbito e grave. No Brasil, são escassos os trabalhos publicados sobre doenças cardiovasculares em cães e gatos. Dessa forma, nesta tese estão incluídos quatro manuscritos abordando esse tema. O primeiro manuscrito teve o objetivo de determinar a frequência e descrever os aspectos patológicos das cardiomiopatias diagnosticadas em 72 gatos no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. As cardiomiopatias afetaram mais comumente gatos machos e com mediana de idade de sete anos. A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica foi a classificação morfológica mais frequente, seguida das formas restritiva e dilatada. As cardiomiopatias são importantes causas de morte em gatos e devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com sinais clínicos cardiorrespiratórios e nos casos relacionados à morte súbita e paresia aguda de membros pélvicos. O segundo manuscrito teve o objetivo de descrever as características patológicas e imuno-histoquímicas no coração em gatos com neoplasmas das glândulas tireoides e adrenais. Cardiomegalia e hipertrofia concêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo foram os principais achados macroscópicos, e histologicamente identificou hipertrofia, desarranjo das miofibras e fibrose. A imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) com o uso dos marcadores BNP, cTnC e desmina foi uma ferramenta útil para a detecção de lesões cardíacas. O terceiro manuscrito descreveu as características macroscópicas, microscópicas e de IHQ das alterações cardiovasculares observadas em cães com feocromocitomas. Histologicamente os principais achados foram necrose, infiltrado inflamatório e fibrose no ventrículo esquerdo. A IHQ para a troponina C mostrou ser uma ferramenta útil para a detecção de necrose miocárdica principalmente em lesões incipientes. O quarto manuscrito determinou os dados epidemiológicos e patológicos de cães acometidos por doenças congênitas cardiovasculares. Essas alterações congênitas foram doenças importantes em cães de raças definidas e com idade mediana de quatro meses. Estenose subaórtica foi o defeito mais comumente encontrado, seguido por defeito do septo atrial e persistência do arco aórtico direito. O estudo das doenças cardiovasculares faz-se essencial para a melhor compreensão destas doenças na população canina e felina analisada. Estas informações podem ser úteis para a otimização de medidas de prevenção, tratamento e diagnóstico.

The diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in domestic animals represents a challenge for veterinary clinicians, due to the high frequency of subclinical diseases and a tendency for the first clinical signs of heart failure to present sudden and severe onset. In Brazil, published studies on cardiovascular diseases in dogs and cats are scarce. Thus, in this thesis are included four manuscripts addressing this theme. The first manuscript aimed describe the pathological aspects and frequency of cardiomyopathies diagnosed in 72 cats at the Veterinary Pathology Sector of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Cardiomyopathies most commonly affected male cats with a median age of seven years. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was the most frequent morphological classification, followed by restrictive and dilated forms. Cardiomyopathies are important causes of death in cats and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with clinical cardiorespiratory signs and in cases related to sudden death and acute pelvic limb paresis. The second manuscript aimed to describe the pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the heart in cats with thyroid and adrenal glands neoplasms. Cardiomegaly and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy were the main gross findings, and histologically identified hypertrophy, myofiber disarray and fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the BNP, cTnC and desmin markers was a useful tool for the detection of cardiac lesions. The third manuscript described the gross, microscopic and IHC characteristics of the cardiovascular features observed in dogs with pheochromocytomas. Histologically, the main findings were necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis in the left ventricle. IHC for troponin C has proved to be a useful tool for the detection of myocardial necrosis, especially in incipient lesions. The fourth manuscript determined the epidemiological and pathological data of dogs affected by congenital cardiovascular diseases. These congenital changes were important diseases in dogs of defined breeds and with a median age of four months. Subaortic stenosis was the most commonly found defect, followed by atrial septal defect and persistence of the right aortic arch. The study of cardiovascular diseases is essential for a better understanding of these diseases in the analyzed canine and feline population. This information can be useful for the optimization of prevention, treatment and diagnosis measures.

Propolis and swimming in the prevention of atherogenesis and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypercholesterolemic mice

Aims The present study verified the effect of propolis alone and its association with swimming in dyslipidemia, left ventricular hypertrophy and atherogenesis of hypercholesterolemic mice. Methods and Results The experiments were performed in LDLr/ mice, fed with high fat diet for 75 days, and were divided into four experimental groups (n=10): HL, sedentary, subjected to aquatic stress (5 min per day, 5 times per week); NAT submitted to a swimming protocol (1 hour per day, 5 times per week) from the 16th day of the experiment; PRO, sedentary, submitted to aquatic stress and which received oral propolis extract (70 uL/animal/day) from the 16th day of the experiment; HL+NAT+PRO, submitted to swimming and which received propolis as described above. After 75 days, blood was collected for analysis of serum lipids. The ratio between the ventricular weight (mg) and the animal weight (g) was calculated. Histological sections of the heart and aorta were processed immunohistochemically with anti-CD40L antibodies to evaluate the inflammatory process; stained with hematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius red to assess morphological and morphometric alterations. The HL animals showed severe dyslipidemia, atherogenesis and left ventricular hypertrophy, associated with a decrease in serum HDLc levels and subsequent development of cardiovascular inflammatory process, characterized by increased expression of CD40L in the left ventricle and aorta. Swimming and propolis alone and/or associated prevented the LVH, atherogenesis and arterial and ventricular inflammation, decreasing the CD40L expression and increasing the HDLc plasmatic levels. Conclusion Propolis alone or associated with a regular physical activity is beneficial in cardiovascular protection through anti-inflammatory action.

Objetivos O presente estudo verificou o efeito do própolis associação ou não com a natação na dislipidemia, na hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e aterogênese de camundongos hipercolesterolêmicos. Métodos e Resultados Os experimentos foram realizados em camundongos LDLr/, alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica por 75 dias, e divididos em quatro grupos experimentais (n = 10): HL, sedentários, foram submetidos ao estresse aquático (5 min por dia, cinco vezes por semana); NAT foram submetidos a um protocolo de natação (1 hora por dia, cinco vezes por semana) a partir do 16° dia do experimento; PRO, sedentários, submetidos a estresse aquático e que receberam extrato de própolis oral (70 uL / animal / dia) a partir do 16° dia do experimento; HL + NAC + PRO, submetidos a natação e que recebeu a própolis, como descrito acima. Após 75 dias, foi coletado sangue para análise do perfil lipídico. Calculou-se a relação entre o peso ventricular (mg) e o peso do animal (g). Os cortes histológicos do coração e aorta foram processados imunohistoquímicamente com anticorpos anti-CD40L para avaliar o processo inflamatório, corados com hematoxilina / eosina e picrossírius red, para avaliar as alterações morfológicas e morfométricas. Os camundongos HL apresentaram dislipidemia grave, aterogênese e hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, associada a uma diminuição dos níveis plasmáticos de HDLc e o desenvolvimento subsequente do processo inflamatório cardiovasculares, caracterizada pelo aumento da expressão do CD40L no ventrículo esquerdo e na aorta. Natação e a própolis isolado e / ou associados preveniram a HVE, a aterogênese e a inflamação tanto na artéria quanto no ventrículo, diminuindo a expressão de CD40L, aumentando os níveis plasmáticos de HDLc. Conclusão A Própolis isolada ou associada a uma atividade física regular é benéfica na proteção cardiovascular através da ação anti-inflamatória.

Propolis and swimming in the prevention of atherogenesis and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypercholesterolemic mice / Própolis e natação na prevenção da aterogênese e hipertrofia ventricular esquerda de camundongos hipercolesterolêmicos

Aims The present study verified the effect of propolis alone and its association with swimming in dyslipidemia, left ventricular hypertrophy and atherogenesis of hypercholesterolemic mice. Methods and Results The experiments were performed in LDLr–/mice, fed with high fat diet for 75 days, and were divided into four experimental groups (n=10): HL, sedentary, subjected to aquatic stress (5 min per day, 5 times per week); NAT submitted to a swimming protocol (1 hour per day, 5 times per week) from the 16th day of the experiment; PRO, sedentary, submitted to aquatic stress and which received oral propolis extract (70 uL/animal/day) from the 16th day of the experiment; HL+NAT+PRO, submitted to swimming and which received propolis as described above. After 75 days, blood was collected for analysis of serum lipids. The ratio between the ventricular weight (mg) and the animal weight (g) was calculated. Histological sections of the heart and aorta were processed immunohistochemically with anti-CD40L antibodies to evaluate the inflammatory process; stained with hematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius red to assess morphological and morphometric alterations. The HL animals showed severe dyslipidemia, atherogenesis and left ventricular hypertrophy, associated with a decrease in serum HDLc levels and subsequent development of cardiovascular inflammatory process, characterized by increased expression of CD40L in the left ventricle and aorta. Swimming and propolis alone and\or associated prevented the LVH, atherogenesis and arterial and ventricular inflammation, decreasing the CD40L expression and increasing the HDLc plasmatic levels. Conclusion Propolis alone or associated with a regular physical activity is beneficial in cardiovascular protection through anti-inflammatory action. .(AU)

Objetivos O presente estudo verificou o efeito do própolis associação ou não com a natação na dislipidemia, na hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e aterogênese de camundongos hipercolesterolêmicos. Métodos e Resultados Os experimentos foram realizados em camundongos LDLr–/–, alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica por 75 dias, e divididos em quatro grupos experimentais (n = 10): HL, sedentários, foram submetidos ao estresse aquático (5 min por dia, cinco vezes por semana); NAT foram submetidos a um protocolo de natação (1 hora por dia, cinco vezes por semana) a partir do 16° dia do experimento; PRO, sedentários, submetidos a estresse aquático e que receberam extrato de própolis oral (70 uL / animal / dia) a partir do 16° dia do experimento; HL + NAC + PRO, submetidos a natação e que recebeu a própolis, como descrito acima. Após 75 dias, foi coletado sangue para análise do perfil lipídico. Calculou-se a relação entre o peso ventricular (mg) e o peso do animal (g). Os cortes histológicos do coração e aorta foram processados imunohistoquímicamente com anticorpos anti-CD40L para avaliar o processo inflamatório, corados com hematoxilina / eosina e picrossírius red, para avaliar as alterações morfológicas e morfométricas. Os camundongos HL apresentaram dislipidemia grave, aterogênese e hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, associada a uma diminuição dos níveis plasmáticos de HDLc e o desenvolvimento subsequente do processo inflamatório cardiovasculares, caracterizada pelo aumento da expressão do CD40L no ventrículo esquerdo e na aorta. Natação e a própolis isolado e \ ou associados preveniram a HVE, a aterogênese e a inflamação tanto na artéria quanto no ventrículo, diminuindo a expressão de CD40L, aumentando os níveis plasmáticos de HDLc. Conclusão A Própolis isolada ou associada a uma atividade física regular é benéfica na proteção cardiovascular através da ação anti-inflamatória. .(AU)

Avaliação quantitativa da estrutura cardíaca e da inervação extrínseca simpática em ratos obesos Zucker São Paulo 2019

Independente das condições econômicas e sociais das populações a obesidade mundial vem crescendo a cada ano. A obesidade é classificada como uma doença crônica não transmissível (DCNT) que apresenta diversos efeitos estruturais e metabólicos no coração desencadeando também alterações no sistema nervoso central (SNC) e sistema nervoso periférico (SNP) desencadeando desequilíbrios nas atividades parassimpáticas e simpáticas. Essa Pesquisa objetiva-se investigar em ratos obesos Zucker, linhagem de rato que desenvolve espontaneamente a obesidade, a estrutura do coração e sua inervação simpática extrínseca, aplicando-se métodos quantitativos tridimensionais, baseados na estereologia. Para essa pesquisa foram utilizados ratos Zucker, adquiridos do biotério da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) em que foram determinados a estimativa do volume do ventrículo esquerdo, estimativa do volume total de fibras musculares cardíacas, estimativa do volume total de neurônios do gânglio estrelado em que obtivemos os seguintes resultados 1,25 (0,27) cm³ e 1,60 (0,12) cm³, 1,24 (0,02) mm³ e 1,86 (0,24) mm³, 3,54 x 10um³ e 2,38 x 10um³, respectivamente para os grupos de ratos controle e obeso. Conclui-se que no rato Zucker há aumento dos níveis de colesterol e triglicérides e em relação aos dados morfoquantitativos, a obesidade promove alteração estrutural como a observada na hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo do tipo excêntrica, caracterizada por aumento do lume cardíaco e aumento da parede ventricular.

Regardless of the economic and social conditions of the populations, obesity worldwide is growing every year. Obesity is classified as a chronic non-transmissible disease (CNCD) that has several structural and metabolic effects on the heart, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (CNS) with imbalance in parasympathetic and sympathetic activities. This research aims to investigate Zucker rats, a rat line that spontaneously develops obesity, heart structure and its extrinsic sympathetic innervation, by applying three-dimensional quantitative methods, based on stereology. Zucker rats were obtained from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). The mean values of the estimation of left ventricular volume, total cardiac muscle fibers and total volume of ganglion neurons was: 1.25 (0.27) cm³ e 1.60 (0.12) cm³, 1.24 (0.02) mm³ e 1.86 (0.24) mm³, 3.54 x 10um³ e 2.38 x 10um³, respectively for control and obese groups. In conclusion, Zucker rat has high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride when compared to control rats. Related to morphoquantitative data, obesity promotes structural changes as observed in left ventricle eccentric hypertrophy, characterized by increased in cardiac lumen and ventricular wall.

Avaliação ecocardiográfica em felinos obesos São Paulo

A obesidade é a desordem nutricional mais diagnostica em felinos sendo considerada um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças. Em seres humanos, é bem relatado a associação entre o acúmulo de tecido adiposo e alterações ecocardiográficas sendo as principais a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, dilatação atrial esquerda, disfunção diastólica e sistólica. Contudo, até o momento poucos estudos correlacionam a condição corporal a alterações ecocardiográficas em gatos. Por conseguinte, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os possíveis impactos da obesidade nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos desta espécie. No estudo foram incluídos 28 gatos clinicamente saudáveis triados de acordo com escore de condição corporal (ECC), sendo incluídos os que apresentavam ECC 5 (normal), 8 e 9(obesos) em escala de 9 pontos. Os animais foram submetidos ao exame físico, avaliação laboratorial, mensuração de pressão arterial sistólica e exame ecocardiográfico. A quantificação de tecido adiposo foi realizada pelo método de diluição de isótopos de deutério. No exame ecocardiográfico foram avaliadas as dimensões da cavidade ventricular esquerda em sístole e diástole, espessura do septo interventricular, da base do septo interventricular e da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole, dimensão do átrio esquerda, relação átrio esquerdo/ aorta, função diastólica através da relação E/A, tempo de desaceleração da onda E, tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico, velocidade de onda E e relação E/E, função sistólica débito cardíaco e frequência cardíaca. Embora os animais obesos tenham apresentando aumento na espessura durante a diástole de base de septo interventricular, septo interventricular e parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo, ainda assim os valores permaneceram dentro dos limites de normalidade estabelecidos na literatura. Conclui-se que a obesidade não resultou em impacto significativo sobre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos estudados.

Obesity is the most frequently diagnosed nutritional disorder in felines and it is considered a risk factor for the development of diseases. In humans, it is well known the association between adipose tissue and echocardiographic changes and the main changes are left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial dilatation, diastolic and systolic disfunction. However, to date, few studies have correlated body condition with echocardiographic changes in cats. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible impacts of obesity on the echocardiographic parameters of this species. In the study were included 28 clinically healthy cats screened according to body condition score (BCS), being included those which presented BCS 5 (normal), 8 and 9 (obese) in a scale of 9 points. The animals were submitted to physical and laboratorial evaluation, systolic blood pressure measurement and echocardiographic evaluation. The quantification of adipose tissue was performed by the deuterium isotope dilution method. In the echocardiographic examination were evaluated left ventricular dimensions in systole and diastole, thickness of the interventricular septum, the base of the interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall in diastole, left atrium size, left atrium/ aorta ratio, diastolic function through the E/A ratio, E- wave deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, E wave velocity and E/E ratio, systolic cardiac output and heart rate. Although obese animals presented increased thickness during the diastole of the base of the interventricular septum, interventricular septum and free wall of the left ventricle, the values remained within the limits of normality established in the literature. Is was concluded that obesity didnt have a significant impact on the echocardiographic parameters studied.