Detection of hypoxia markers in the cerebellum after a traumatic frontal cortex injury: a human postmortem gene expression analysis.

PURPOSE: The response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) is complex and induces various biological pathways in all brain regions that contribute to bad outcomes. The cerebellar hypoxia after a frontal cortex injury may potentiate the pathophysiological impacts of TBI. Therefore, a gene expression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of hypoxia on TBIs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total RNA, including microRNAs, was isolated from the cerebellum of individuals who had died from severe frontal cortex injuries or due to natural causes of death (reference group). RESULTS: From a total of 19,596 genes, an average of 59.56% messenger RNAs (mRNAs) appeared expressed with 42 of them showing significant >2-fold differences of upregulated (n = 18) and downregulated (n = 24) genes. The validity of 14 candidate genes (with low p values and high fold differences or based on cited literature) was confirmed using qRT-PCR (Spearman correlation r(2) = 0.93). Only four genes appeared to be either upregulated (FOSB and IL6) or downregulated (HSD11B1 and HSPA12B). From a total of 667 microRNAs, altogether, 248 microRNAs appeared expressed with 13 of them showing significant differences in the mean gene expression. The combination of two mRNAs (HSPA12B/FOSB or IL6/HSD11B1) or two microRNAs (either miR-138/miR-744 or miR-195/miR-324-5p) completely discriminated both groups, a finding unaltered by potential confounders such as age at biosampling, survival time, and the postmortem interval. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebellar hypoxia markers are important to understand the pathophysiology of TBIs and could be used for therapeutic strategies or forensic purposes, e.g., to assess the severity of a brain injury.

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in a cat.

A 10-year-old male castrated Domestic Shorthair cat was evaluated for an asymptomatic tachyarrhythmia noted two weeks prior. Electrocardiography revealed a normal sinus rhythm with atrial premature complexes and paroxysms of supraventricular tachycardia with a heart rate between 300 and 400 min-1. Echocardiography was unremarkable, and concentrations of circulating cardiac troponin I, T4, and blood taurine were within reference ranges. The cat was treated with sotalol (2.1 mg/kg q12h, PO) but the arrhythmia was insufficiently controlled as determined during several re-examinations within a two-year time period. Twenty four months after initial presentation atrial fibrillation with fast ventricular response rate (200 to 300 min-1) was diagnosed, along with severe eccentric chamber remodeling and systolic dysfunction. The cat developed congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock and was euthanized nearly 27 months after the first exam. Gross and histopathologic findings ruled out commonly seen types of primary myocardial disease in cats. The persistent nature of the tachyarrhythmia, the progressive structural and functional cardiac changes, and comparative gross and histopathologic post-mortem findings are consistent with the diagnosis of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.

Systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a domestic shorthair cat.

A two-year-old, 3.9-kg, male castrated, domestic shorthair cat presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for acute onset neurological signs. During hospitalization, he was diagnosed with an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage B1 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype on echocardiogram. His clinical signs acutely worsened, including seizure activity and panting, and he was euthanized. Necropsy revealed the histopathologic diagnosis of systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis, which notably severely affected the myocardium. In this case report, we present the antemortem diagnostic results and postmortem necropsy results of this rare condition in cats. This case demonstrates that echocardiographic assessment of the heart in cats affected by systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis may lead to the false diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and thus should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with symmetrical left ventricularl wall thickening on echocardiography.

Clinical, electrocardiographic, and diagnostic imaging features and outcomes in cats with electrocardiographic diagnosis of ventricular pre-excitation: a retrospective study of 23 cases (2010-2022).

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Ventricular pre-excitation (VPE) occurs when atrial electrical impulses prematurely excite the ventricles through an aberrant muscle bundle known as an accessory pathway (AP). Orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia is a re-entrant, narrow complex supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), maintained through retrograde conduction over an AP. The study aimed to describe patient signalments, clinical signs, electrocardiographic (ECG) and diagnostic imaging features, treatments, prognostic variables, and outcomes in cats with ECG diagnosis of VPE. ANIMALS: Twenty-three cats diagnosed with VPE between January 2010 and August 2022 were included in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective study with twenty-three cats diagnosed with VPE between January 2010 and August 2022. Ventricular pre-excitation diagnosis was based on ECG evidence of shortened PR interval, delta wave, and prolonged QRS duration. The median survival time (MST) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier curve. Log-rank tests were performed to assess for an association between clinical signs or presence of structural heart disease on the MST. RESULTS: Fourteen (60.8%) cats with VPE also had SVT documented on ECG, with 7 of 14 with ECG confirmation of orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. Four (17.4%) cats had suspected AP-mediated tachyarrhythmia based on associated clinical signs. Common presenting signs included collapse (15/23; 65.2%) and respiratory distress (14/23; 60.8%). Five (21.7%) cats were asymptomatic. Heart rate during SVT ranged from 310 to 420 bpm (median: 375 bpm). Initial treatment included atenolol (10/18), sotalol (5/18), diltiazem (2/18), and amiodarone (1/18). From the date of diagnosis, MST was 1872 days (5.1 years). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of cats with VPE also had symptomatic SVT. The prognosis for cats with VPE is considered good with an MST of greater than five years.

Myocardial expression of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated proteins in healthy cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In this article the myocardial expression of different hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) isoforms in myocardial tissue from healthy control cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was evaluated. Myocardial tissue samples of the left ventricle of control cats (n = 12) and cats with HCM (n = 4) were collected. Expression of feline HCN was determined by immunoblot analysis using antibodies against HCN2 and HCN4. Optical densities of HCN bands were compared among groups by use of the Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test. HCN4 was reliably detected in myocardial tissue whereas HCN2 was not. HCN4 expression was significantly increased in left ventricular (LV) myocardial samples of cats with HCM (P = 0.036) compared to control cats. Results indicate that myocardial HCN4 expression can be evaluated in cats by immunoblot analysis and that HCN4 expression is upregulated in LV myocardial tissue of cats with HCM. The pathophysiological importance of HCN overexpression with regard to myocyte function and altered automaticity deserves further study.

Transient high-grade second-degree atrioventricular block secondary to transvenous atrial septal defect occlusion in a dog.

A 1.2-year-old male-intact Standard Poodle underwent transvenous placement of an Amplazter™ atrial septal occluder for correction of a large secundum atrial septal defect. Thirty-six hours post-operatively, the dog developed high-grade Mobitz type II second-degree atrioventricular block, which resolved with time and corticosteroid administration by 12 days after the procedure. This case report outlines the observation, treatment, and resolution of high-grade Mobitz type II second-degree atrioventricular block, a known complication of atrial septal occluder placement in humans, not previously reported in veterinary literature.

Hybrid balloon valvuloplasty for management of severe mitral stenosis in four symptomatic, adult dogs.

Four adult dogs weighing <10 kg presented for the evaluation of severe mitral valve stenosis with clinical signs. Owing to the size of the dogs, a hybrid surgical and interventional approach was utilized for balloon valvuloplasty. A left lateral thoracotomy was performed to allow direct entry through the left atrial wall. Transesophageal echocardiography was utilized for the entirety of the procedure in all dogs, and fluoroscopy was additionally used in two dogs. One dog had mild to moderate intra-operative bleeding from the left atrial wall during the procedure, but no other intra-operative complications were observed. No dogs developed a clinically relevant amount of worsened mitral regurgitation. Based on mitral leaflet mobility and transmitral flow profiles, there was perceived improvement in all four dogs. One dog died 6 h after extubation due to respiratory arrest. The remaining dogs survived to discharge and had resolution of clinical signs at home and discontinuation of heart failure medications. One dog died of an unknown cause at five months and another developed atrial fibrillation, and the owners elected to euthanize at ten months after the procedure. One dog continues to do well six months after the procedure as of the time of this writing. Hybrid balloon valvuloplasty can be a viable management option for small breed dogs with severe mitral stenosis exhibiting clinical signs, and both transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy can be used intra-operatively to assist in successful procedural outcomes.

Pharmacokinetics of oral ivabradine in healthy cats.

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analytical method for the measurement of the novel heart rate-lowering drug ivabradine and its major metabolite, S-18982, was cross-validated in the plasma of eight healthy cats. Plasma concentrations were then determined after single and repeated oral administration of ivabradine. Individual plasma concentrations versus time from each cat were used in compartmental analysis using the commercially available software WinNonlin. Both ivabradine and S-18982 reached their maximum concentrations of 103.33 and 3.86 ng/mL within 1 h. Following repeated administration, areas under the plasma concentration-time curves for ivabradine and S-18982 did not significantly increase. Two-compartmental and one-compartmental models with first-order input and elimination provided the best fit to the data for ivabradine and S-18982, respectively. Both models were combined to produce a single 4-compartment model characterizing ivabradine and S-18982 pharmacokinetics. The results of this study indicate that repeated oral doses of ivabradine produced plasma drug concentrations suitable for 12-h dosing intervals in healthy cats. Furthermore, the analytical assay and combined ivabradine/S-18982 model provide tools for further evaluation of ivabradine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in future studies in cats.

Repeat balloon valvuloplasty for dogs with recurrent or persistent pulmonary stenosis.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a common congenital defect in the dog. Severe valvar PS can be treated with balloon valvuloplasty (BV) to reduce obstruction severity and improve clinical signs. Repeat BV is often unnecessary, as restenosis is uncommon. Repeated pulmonary BV in people is generally successful and safe, but outcomes in dogs with recurrent or persistent stenosis have not been reported. The objectives of this study were to retrospectively evaluate outcomes of repeat BV in dogs. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: Medical records and stored echocardiographic images were reviewed from dogs that received repeat BV for pulmonary valvar restenosis or persistent stenosis. Echocardiographic variables included maximum systolic ejection velocity (PVmax), velocity-derived maximal pressure gradient (PGmax) and velocity time integral (VTI) across the pulmonary valve, and ratios of pulmonic to aortic maximum velocity (PVmax/AVmax) and VTI (VTIPV/VTIAV). RESULTS: Twenty-three dogs were included; one underwent three BV procedures. The median time between BV procedures was 18.3 months (interquartile range, 6.3-43.6). One dog died during repeat BV, but no others experienced adverse effects. Reductions in PVmax, PGmax, and VTIPV after initial and repeat BV were 1.85 m/s, 76.2 mmHg, and 44.7 cm and 1.33 m/s, 55.6 mmHg, and 30.2 cm, respectively (all p < 0.01). Differences between pre-BV and post-BV PVmax, PGmax, VTIPV, PVmax/AVmax, and VTIPV/VTIAV were not different comparing initial to repeat BV (all p > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat BV for recurrent or persistent PS is well tolerated and effective in a majority of dogs.

Detection of congestive heart failure in dogs by Doppler echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic prediction of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs has not been prospectively evaluated. HYPOTHESIS: CHF can be predicted by Doppler echocardiographic (DE) variables of left ventricular (LV) filling in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). ANIMALS: Sixty-three client-owned dogs. METHODS: Prospective clinical cohort study. Physical examination, thoracic radiography, analysis of natriuretic peptides, and transthoracic echocardiography were performed. Diagnosis of CHF was based upon clinical and radiographic findings. Presence or absence of CHF was predicted using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, multivariate logistic and stepwise regression, and best subsets analyses. RESULTS: Presence of CHF secondary to MVD or DCM could best be predicted by E:isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (area under the ROC curve [AUC]=0.97, P<.001), respiration rate (AUC=0.94, P<.001), Diastolic Functional Class (AUC=0.93, P<.001), and a combination of Diastolic Functional Class, IVRT, and respiration rate (R2=0.80, P<.001) or Diastolic Functional Class (AUC=1.00, P<.001), respiration rate (AUC=1.00, P<.001), and E:IVRT (AUC=0.99, P<.001), and a combination of Diastolic Functional Class and E:IVRT (R2=0.94, P<.001), respectively, whereas other variables including N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, E:Ea, and E:Vp were less useful. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Various DE variables can be used to predict CHF in dogs with MVD and DCM. Determination of the clinical benefit of such variables in initiating, modulating, and assessing success of treatments for CHF needs further study.

Perceptions of quality of life and priorities of owners of cats with heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Owners' perceptions and priorities regarding quality of life (QoL) are important considerations given the unknown efficacy of many commonly administered medications, stress of hospital visits, difficulties providing home care, and personal choices including euthanasia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the relative importance of quality versus quantity of life to owners of cats with heart disease. ANIMALS: Two hundred and thirty-nine cats with heart disease. METHODS: Prospective questionnaire-based clinical study. Cat owners completed a questionnaire to identify important parameters when assessing their cat's QoL, the relative importance of quality versus quantity of life, and willingness to trade survival time for QoL. Variables associated with these parameters were evaluated with multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Appetite, owner interaction, sleep patterns, and litterbox habits were deemed important to QoL. Concern over pet suffering was significantly greater than concern over life expectancy. Ninety-three percent of owners were willing to trade survival time for good QoL; 57% of these were willing to trade up to 6 months. On multivariate analysis, the only factor significantly (P=.002) associated with willingness to trade 6 months was study site. Owner concern regarding stress of administering medications at home increased with number and frequency of medications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results indicated that QoL is more important to owners of cats with heart disease than longevity. The various priorities and concerns of cat owners should be taken into account in order to provide optimal care.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in a pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) with right-sided congestive heart failure.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease reported in humans and dogs diagnosed as persistent elevation of pulmonary arterial blood pressure without predisposing or associated diseases. A four-month-old pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) was presented for decreased appetite, lethargy, respiratory distress, and occasional syncope. On physical examination, the pig was tachypneic with labored breathing, with a distended abdomen and a bilateral grade 4-5/6 parasternal systolic heart murmur. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was estimated at 95 mmHg by Doppler echocardiography, consistent with severe pulmonary hypertension. At autopsy, there was dilation of the main pulmonary artery and right ventricle. The lungs were diffusely rubbery, and there was tricavitary effusion. Microscopically, there was severe widespread pulmonary arterial concentric medial hypertrophy with rare plexiform lesions. The clinical history and gross and microscopic findings supported a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with subsequent right-sided congestive heart failure. Primary (idiopathic) pulmonary arterial hypertension should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young pigs with right-sided congestive heart failure.

Methods and reliability of tissue Doppler imaging for assessment of left ventricular radial wall motion in horses.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) function is incompletely studied in horses. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to investigate the feasibility, techniques, and reliability of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for characterization of LV radial wall motion in healthy horses. ANIMALS: Three Standardbreds, 3 Thoroughbreds; age 8-14 years; body weight 517-606 kg. METHODS: Repeated echocardiographic examinations were performed by 2 observers in unsedated horses using TDI. Test reliability was determined by estimating measurement variability, within-day interobserver variability, and between-day interobserver and intraobserver variability of all echocardiographic variables. Variability was expressed as coefficient of variation (CV) and the absolute value below which the difference between 2 measurements will lie with 95% probability. RESULTS: Assessment of LV radial wall motion by TDI was feasible in all horses. Measurement variabilities were very low (CV < 5%) to low (CV 5-15%) for most variables. Within-day interobserver variability as well as between-day interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were low to moderate (CV 16-25%) for most variables. All pulsed-wave TDI variables of systolic LV function showed very low to low variability, whereas some of the variables of LV diastolic and LA function showed moderate to high (CV > 25%) variability. Pulsed-wave TDI variables appeared more reliable than color TDI variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Measurement of TDI indices of LV function is feasible and reliable in adult Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses. The clinical relevance of LV function assessment by TDI remains to be determined.

Left ventricular radial and circumferential wall motion analysis in horses using strain, strain rate, and displacement by 2D speckle tracking.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive assessment of left-ventricular (LV) function is clinically relevant, but is incompletely studied in horses. OBJECTIVES: To document the feasibility, describe the techniques, and determine the reliability of 2D speckle tracking (2DST) for characterization of LV radial and circumferential wall motion in horses. ANIMALS: Three Standardbreds, 3 Thoroughbreds; age 8-14 years; body weight 517-606 kg. METHODS: Observational study. Repeated 2-dimensional echocardiographic examinations were performed in unsedated horses by 2 observers and subsequently analyzed by 2DST. Test reliability was determined for segmental and for averaged 2DST indices (including strain, strain rate, displacement, and rotation) by estimating measurement variability, within-day interobserver variability, between-day interobserver variability, and between-day intraobserver variability. Variability was expressed as coefficient of variation (percent) and the absolute value below which the difference between 2 measurements will lie with 95% probability. RESULTS: 2DST analyses were feasible in 16 of 18 echocardiographic studies. The automated tracking was accurate during systole but inaccurate during diastole. Reliability was higher for radial compared to circumferential measurements. For radial strain, radial systolic strain rate, and radial systolic displacement, the test-retest variabilities ranged between 2.4 and 33.1% for segmental and between 4.1 and 16.1% for averaged measurements. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Systolic radial motion of the LV at the chordal level could be reliably characterized in horses by 2DST. Circumferential measurements were less reliable. Diastolic measurements were invalid because of inaccurate tracking. The clinical value of LV wall motion analysis by 2DST in horses requires further investigation.

Validation of a commercially available immunoassay for the measurement of bovine cardiac troponin I.

BACKGROUND: Commercially available cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays developed for use in humans have not yet been validated for use in cattle. HYPOTHESES: The ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra immunoassay can be used for the detection of bovine cTnI. In healthy cattle, serum cTnI is undetectable or is present only in trace amounts. METHODS: Purified bovine cTnI and cTnI-free bovine serum were used for the evaluation of assay performance including intra- and inter-assay precision, sensitivity, interference, linearity, and recovery. Effects of storage at 23, 4, -20, and -80 degrees C for 2 days, and at -20 and -80 degrees C for 7 and 14 days and repeated freeze-thaw cycles on recovery of cTnI were analyzed. Serum cTnI concentrations in 30 healthy dairy cows were determined. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-assay precisions (mean +/- SD) were 4.48 +/- 2.26 and 13.36 +/- 6.59%, respectively. The assay demonstrated linearity at 0.5, 2, 15, and 30 ng/mL cTnI. Mean recovery was 100.81, 85.26, 87.72, and 114.42%, respectively. Skeletal muscle homogenate added to serum of known cTnI concentration did not alter the concentration of the analyte (P > .05). Concentration of cTnI significantly decreased when samples were stored at 4 and 23 degrees C for 2 days (P < .05). Repeated freeze-thaw cycles and storage at -20 degrees C for 7 days had no significant influence on cTnI concentration (P > .05). Serum cTnI concentration in healthy cattle was

Correlation of serum cardiac troponin I and myocardial damage in cattle with monensin toxicosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is used as a biomarker of myocardial injury in people and small animals. Little is known about the diagnostic use of cTnI in cattle. HYPOTHESIS: Serum cTnI correlates to myocardial function and histopathologic lesions in cattle with monensin-induced myocardial injury. ANIMALS: Ten healthy cows. METHODS: Experimental study. Animals received 1 dose of monensin PO; 30 mg/kg (n = 1) or 40 mg/kg (n = 1) (Group A) or 50 mg/kg monensin (n = 8) (Group B) of body weight. Repeated measurements were performed of serum cTnI, biochemistry, and ECG and echocardiography until study termination at 80 (Group A) and 144 hours (Group B) after dosing. Semiquantitative histopathologic examinations of the heart were performed in each cow. A scoring system with regard to the magnitude of myocardial injury was established and a total heart score was compared with maximum cTnI concentration measured after monensin administration. Five hearts from healthy cows served as controls. RESULTS: Increased cTnI (>0.07 ng/mL) was found in 9/10 cows. cTnI was significantly associated with left ventricular shortening fraction (r(2)= 0.51; P= .02) and myocardial histopathologic lesion score (r(2)= 0.49; P= .021). All cows (n = 7) with evidence of myocardial necrosis had a cTnI concentration > or = 1.04 ng/mL. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: cTnI is related to myocardial necrosis and severity of myocardial damage in cattle with monensin toxicosis. cTnI could become a useful diagnostic tool in the noninvasive assessment of myocardial injury in cattle with naturally occurring cardiac disease.

Doppler-derived echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension in cats with left-sided congestive heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by left-sided congestive heart failure (L-CHF) is common in dogs and contributes to clinical signs and outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Doppler echocardiography-derived PH in a population of cats with L-CHF. ANIMALS: The study involved 131 cats with L-CHF and 56 control cats. METHODS: The study design is retrospective, observational study. Tricuspid regurgitation velocity, right atrial dimension, right ventricular (RV) dimension and function, RV wall thickness, pulmonary artery (PA) dimension, Doppler-derived systolic time intervals of PA flow, and presence of septal flattening were evaluated. Pulmonary hypertension was considered if tricuspid regurgitation velocity was >2.7 m/s. RESULTS: Tricuspid regurgitation was present in 57/131 (44%) of cats with L-CHF and 24/56 (43%) in control cats based on color flow Doppler. Doppler-derived of PH was identified in 22/131 cats with L-CHF (17%). In 15/22 cats, PH was associated with cardiomyopathy, in 5/22 cases with congenital heart disease, and in 2/22 cases with other causes. Cats with Doppler-derived PH more often had chronic L-CHF, as opposed to acute L-CHF (p<0.05). All cats with Doppler-derived PH had subjectively-assessed right-sided heart enlargement, with larger right atrial and RV diameters (p<0.001), increased RV wall thickness (p<0.05), and higher prevalence of septal flattening (<0.001) and PA enlargement (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension identified by Doppler echocardiography is not a common finding in cats with L-CHF. Right-sided heart enlargement, more frequently observed, may raise the suspicion of PH in cats with L-CHF.

Treatment of caudal cavoatrial junction obstruction in a dog with a balloon-expandable biliary stent.

A 2-year-old intact female mixed breed dog was presented for ascites. Echocardiography demonstrated severe obstruction at the level of the caudal right atrium. Initially, a variant of cor triatriatum dexter was diagnosed, and balloon catheter dilation was performed. However, ascites recurred within a week. Further imaging revealed an obstruction at the entrance of the caudal vena cava into the right atrium rather than a dividing membrane in the right atrium. The diagnosis was revised to suprahepatic obstruction of the caudal vena cava because of remnant Eustachian valve tissue. Deployment of a balloon-expandable biliary stent was performed relieving the obstruction. Fifteen months after stent deployment, the patient is doing well without reaccumulation of ascitic fluid.

Estimation of left ventricular filling pressure by Doppler echocardiography in dogs with pacing-induced heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common clinical syndrome characterized by elevated filling pressure. HYPOTHESIS: Doppler echocardiographic (DE) variables of left ventricular (LV) filling can predict a decline of LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) induced by acute preload reduction in dogs with compensated CHF. ANIMALS: Five male hound dogs. METHODS: Dogs previously instrumented with a transvenous cardiac pacemaker and a LV pressure gauge were paced at 160-180 bpm to induce mild CHF characterized by LVEDP > 20 mmHg. LVEDP and 9 DE variables of LV filling derived from diastolic time intervals, transmitral and pulmonary venous flow, and tissue Doppler imaging were measured simultaneously at baseline and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after furosemide (4 mg/kg, IV) or placebo (0.9% saline, IV). Repeated measures analysis of variance and correlation analysis were used to determine the association between the decline of LVEDP after furosemide and DE measures of LV filling pressure (LVFP). RESULTS: Furosemide but not placebo decreased LVEDP (P < .001). The ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to LV isovolumic relaxation time (E : IVRT) predicted LVEDP best (R(2)= .50; P < .001). Correlations were also found between LVEDP and IVRT, E, ratio between E and late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E : A), and early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (Ea). The ratio of E to Ea (E : Ea) was not useful in the prediction of LVEDP in this model. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: E : IVRT can be used to predict LVFP in dogs with mild left-sided CHF induced by rapid pacing.

Echocardiographic Estimates of Right Ventricular Systolic Function in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction independently predicts outcomes in human myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). There is limited information regarding RV systolic function in dogs with MMVD. HYPOTHESIS: Right ventricular systolic function differs among stages of disease, decreasing in decompensated MMVD. ANIMALS: Thirty-sixclient-owned dogs with MMVD not receiving oral cardiovascular medications. METHODS: Prospective clinical study. Dogs were categorized according to disease severity as ACVIM Stage B1, B2, or C. Seven echocardiographic indices of RV systolic function were measured. Groups were compared by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Frequencies of cases with cardiac remodeling falling outside previously established reference intervals were compared using Fisher's exact test. Intra- and interobserver measurement variability was calculated for each RV function index. RESULTS: The indices TAPSE (P = 0.029), RV StL (P = 0.012), and RV StRL (P = 0.041) were significantly different between groups. A greater proportion of B2 dogs (7 of 12) had TAPSE values above reference intervals compared with B1 (2 of 12) or C (2 of 12) dogs (P = 0.027). Measurement variability of TAPSE, RV S', and RV StG was clinically acceptable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Right ventricular systolic function differs between stages of MMVD, increasing in stage B2, and declining in stage C. The prognostic importance of RV function indices, particularly TAPSE, might be worth evaluating in dogs with MMVD.