Third-degree atrioventricular block secondary to infiltrative cardiac hemangiosarcoma in a dog.

A nine-year-old male, castrated Pembroke Welsh Corgi presented with a two-month history of lethargy, hyporexia, and occasional vomiting. There was also a two-week history of exercise intolerance; no syncopal episodes were reported. Auscultation revealed bradycardia with an irregular rhythm and otherwise normal heart and lung sounds. Third-degree atrioventricular block was diagnosed. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography revealed a soft tissue structure arising from the atrioventricular junction and interatrial septum. There was scant abdominal effusion. Pacemaker implantation was offered, but the owner elected humane euthanasia due to the unknown prognosis. Necropsy was consistent with cardiac hemangiosarcoma infiltrating the interatrial and interventricular septum.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in cats: survey of veterinary cardiologists and retrospective evaluation of a possible association with diet.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to conduct a survey of cardiologists on their recent experiences with cats that have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to retrospectively review individual cases of feline DCM. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Part one: A survey was distributed to cardiologists with questions regarding caseload and clinical management of cats with DCM diagnosed over the past two years. Part two: Cardiologists completing the survey were invited to submit data from cats recently diagnosed with DCM. Data on signalment, clinical signs, diet, echocardiographic measurements and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Part one: From 52 completed surveys, many cardiologists responded that measuring and supplementing taurine and recommending a diet change in cats with DCM are common practices. Few (15%) cardiologists reported an increase in the number of feline DCM cases over the past two years, although some had cases that improved even if taurine deficiency was not present. Part two: Twenty of 37 (54%) cats ate low pea/lentil (low PL) diets, and 14/37 (38%) ate high PL diets at the time of diagnosis; three had incomplete diet information. Two of 13 cats (15%) in which taurine was measured had levels below the reference range. After adjusting for other variables, cats eating high PL diets that changed diets after diagnosis had a significantly longer survival time than that of cats eating high PL diets that did not change diets after diagnosis (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is warranted to determine whether there could be a possible association between diet and DCM in cats.

Synchronous diaphragmatic contraction associated with dual-chamber transvenous pacing in a dog.

A 3-year-old, 20-kg, spayed female, mix-breed dog received a dual-chamber pacemaker for management of symptomatic 3rd-degree atrioventricular block. Synchronous diaphragmatic contraction was documented to occur with atrial pacing. Various methods to reduce the occurrence of pacemaker-related phrenic nerve stimulation are discussed.

Extracardiac intrapericardial myxosarcoma causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a dog.

A 13-year-old male castrated pomeranian cross was referred for evaluation of episodes of collapse and a suspected cardiac mass. The presence of a mass at the base of the heart within the pericardial space was confirmed by echocardiography. Additional diagnostics included computed tomography, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate, and thoracic radiographs. The mass was surgically debulked and diagnosed as myxosarcoma via histopathology. This case report describes the diagnostic imaging, laboratory findings, and short-term positive clinical outcome of a dog with a myxosarcoma in a previously undescribed location.