Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.005
A. Franchini , G. Menciotti , R. Persons , S. Diab
A 13-year-old male neutered miniature poodle was presented for evaluation following multiple syncopal episodes. A six-lead ECG revealed high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block and ventricular ectopy presenting as periods of accelerated idioventricular rhythm and runs of ventricular tachycardia. The echocardiogram showed severely increased interventricular septum wall thickness with several cystic anechoic cavities. The owner elected humane euthanasia due to poor prognosis. The postmortem examination revealed the presence of hemangiosarcoma involving the interventricular and interatrial septum, the AV node, and the right ventricular free wall. This report describes an unusual presentation of cardiac hemangiosarcoma causing AV block and ventricular arrhythmias.
{"title":"Hemangiosarcoma involving the interventricular and interatrial septum, atrioventricular node, and right ventricle, causing atrioventricular block and ventricular arrhythmias in a dog","authors":"A. Franchini , G. Menciotti , R. Persons , S. Diab","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 13-year-old male neutered miniature poodle was presented for evaluation following multiple syncopal episodes. A six-lead ECG revealed high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block and ventricular ectopy presenting as periods of accelerated idioventricular rhythm and runs of ventricular tachycardia. The echocardiogram showed severely increased interventricular septum wall thickness with several cystic anechoic cavities. The owner elected humane euthanasia due to poor prognosis. The postmortem examination revealed the presence of hemangiosarcoma involving the interventricular and interatrial septum, the AV node, and the right ventricular free wall. This report describes an unusual presentation of cardiac hemangiosarcoma causing AV block and ventricular arrhythmias.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 75-80"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.004
G. McAulay , M. Rishniw
Introduction/objectives
In humans with mitral valve disease, integration of echocardiographic variables with quantified mitral regurgitation (MR) is recommended. Quantification of MR has not been widely adopted in dogs. Mitral regurgitant fraction (MR%) has not been systematically reported in relation to other echocardiographic variables in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).
Animals, Materials and Methods
Echocardiograms from 237 small-breed dogs with MMVD that included calculation of MR% were identified retrospectively. Mitral regurgitant fraction, monodimensional and bidimensional variables, estimates of filling pressure, forward flow, left ventricular early inflow outflow index (LVEIO), tricuspid regurgitant velocity, and systolic blood pressure are reported in preclinical MMVD and at the onset of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine stage C congestive heart failure (C-CHF). The relationship of MR% to other variables is described and correlations determined. The discriminatory ability of variables in diagnosing stage C-CHF was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis.
Results
All echocardiographic variables correlated to MR% by univariable analysis (all P values<0.0001). The LVEIO (ρ = 0.81), left atrial volume indexed to body weight (ρ = 0.76), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume indexed to body weight (ρ = 0.76) showed the strongest correlations. Patients with stage C- CHF had a median MR% of 83% (interquartile range: 79–85%). Mitral regurgitant fraction (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.99, P<0.0001), LVEIO (AUC: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99, P<0.0001), and left atrial volume indexed to body weight (AUC: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98, P<0.0001) had the highest AUCs.
Study Limitations
This is a single-operator retrospective study.
Conclusions
Mitral regurgitant fraction is strongly correlated with echocardiographic variables used in assessment of MMVD. Integration of MR% may help stage disease, clarify equivocal signs, and guide management.
{"title":"Integration of mitral regurgitant fraction with routine echocardiographic variables in assessment of myxomatous mitral valve disease","authors":"G. McAulay , M. Rishniw","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/objectives</h3><div>In humans with mitral valve disease, integration of echocardiographic variables with quantified mitral regurgitation (MR) is recommended. Quantification of MR has not been widely adopted in dogs. Mitral regurgitant fraction (MR%) has not been systematically reported in relation to other echocardiographic variables in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Echocardiograms from 237 small-breed dogs with MMVD that included calculation of MR% were identified retrospectively. Mitral regurgitant fraction, monodimensional and bidimensional variables, estimates of filling pressure, forward flow, left ventricular early inflow outflow index (LVEIO), tricuspid regurgitant velocity, and systolic blood pressure are reported in preclinical MMVD and at the onset of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine stage C congestive heart failure (C-CHF). The relationship of MR% to other variables is described and correlations determined. The discriminatory ability of variables in diagnosing stage C-CHF was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All echocardiographic variables correlated to MR% by univariable analysis (all P values<0.0001). The LVEIO (ρ = 0.81), left atrial volume indexed to body weight (ρ = 0.76), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume indexed to body weight (ρ = 0.76) showed the strongest correlations. Patients with stage C- CHF had a median MR% of 83% (interquartile range: 79–85%). Mitral regurgitant fraction (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.99, P<0.0001), LVEIO (AUC: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99, P<0.0001), and left atrial volume indexed to body weight (AUC: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98, P<0.0001) had the highest AUCs.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>This is a single-operator retrospective study.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Mitral regurgitant fraction is strongly correlated with echocardiographic variables used in assessment of MMVD. Integration of MR% may help stage disease, clarify equivocal signs, and guide management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 60-74"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.002
B. Lytle , D. Hogan , A. McManamey , M. Mantovani , L. Dos Santos
Introduction/objectives
Balloon valvuloplasty (BVP) is considered a standard treatment for severe pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) in dogs. The efficacy and safety of low-pressure (LP) and high-pressure (HP) balloon catheters for BVP have not been compared. It was hypothesized there would be no difference in pressure gradient reduction between HP and LP, while cardiac troponin I would be higher with HP than with LP immediately following BVP.
Animals, Materials and Methods
Twenty-five client-owned dogs with severe PS were included in the study. A prospective, randomized study with animals matched based on pulmonic annulus size was conducted. Echocardiographic measures of PS severity included peak transvalvular pressure gradient (PGmax) and aorta-to-pulmonary artery velocity time integral ratio at baseline, 18–24 h following BVP, and at the initial follow-up. Serum cardiac troponin I was measured at each time point.
Results
No differences were found between groups in sex, age, weight, or PS severity at any time point (baseline, 18–24 h post BVP, and follow-up; all P>0.9). Only three dogs had annular hypoplasia. Cardiac troponin values did not differ between LP and HP groups at any stage (P>0.1). Complication rates were also comparable (P=0.201).
Study Limitations
The limited sample size may have reduced statistical power to detect modest yet clinically relevant differences. Small and homogeneous sample, lack of standardized HP catheters, inconsistent atenolol use, and variable follow-up timing may have influenced results.
Conclusions
No significant difference between LP and HP catheters was observed in PS severity reduction or myocardial injury. High-pressure catheters offer no added benefit over LP catheters for treating severe PS in dogs without annular hypoplasia.
{"title":"Comparison of low- and high-pressure balloon valvuloplasty in dogs with severe pulmonary valve stenosis","authors":"B. Lytle , D. Hogan , A. McManamey , M. Mantovani , L. Dos Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/objectives</h3><div>Balloon valvuloplasty (BVP) is considered a standard treatment for severe pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) in dogs. The efficacy and safety of low-pressure (LP) and high-pressure (HP) balloon catheters for BVP have not been compared. It was hypothesized there would be no difference in pressure gradient reduction between HP and LP, while cardiac troponin I would be higher with HP than with LP immediately following BVP.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Twenty-five client-owned dogs with severe PS were included in the study. A prospective, randomized study with animals matched based on pulmonic annulus size was conducted. Echocardiographic measures of PS severity included peak transvalvular pressure gradient (PG<sub>max</sub>) and aorta-to-pulmonary artery velocity time integral ratio at baseline, 18–24 h following BVP, and at the initial follow-up. Serum cardiac troponin I was measured at each time point.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No differences were found between groups in sex, age, weight, or PS severity at any time point (baseline, 18–24 h post BVP, and follow-up; all P>0.9). Only three dogs had annular hypoplasia. Cardiac troponin values did not differ between LP and HP groups at any stage (P>0.1). Complication rates were also comparable (P=0.201).</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>The limited sample size may have reduced statistical power to detect modest yet clinically relevant differences. Small and homogeneous sample, lack of standardized HP catheters, inconsistent atenolol use, and variable follow-up timing may have influenced results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>No significant difference between LP and HP catheters was observed in PS severity reduction or myocardial injury. High-pressure catheters offer no added benefit over LP catheters for treating severe PS in dogs without annular hypoplasia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 81-90"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.001
E Pålsson, A R Vestberg, A Tidholm
Introduction/objectives: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is often caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease which affects many small-breed dogs, including Chihuahua dogs. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of MR and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), valvular thickening, and prolapse in a group of apparently healthy Chihuahua dogs.
Animals, materials and methods: Ninety-seven privately owned Chihuahua dogs, recruited via the Swedish Chihuahua Club, were included in the study. A prospective observational study was conducted where clinical examinations, electrocardiograms, and echocardiographic and Doppler examinations were performed in all dogs.
Results: Mitral regurgitation was found in 37 (38%) dogs and was considered mild in 31 dogs, moderate in four dogs, and severe in two dogs. A systolic murmur over the mitral valve area was heard in 21 (22%) dogs. Mitral valve thickening was observed in 36 (37%) and mitral valve prolapse in 12 (12%) dogs. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was present in 14 (14%) of all dogs and in 30% of dogs with MR. Dogs with MR were significantly older (median: 7.6 years) than dogs without MR (median: 3 years); P < 0.0001.
Study limitations: Whether or not the presence of MR reflects early stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease cannot be ascertained without the use of histological examination of the mitral valves.
Conclusions: Mitral regurgitation was common in this group of apparently healthy Chihuahua dogs, and at the age of 6.4 years, there is a 50% chance that a dog has developed MR. In the age group 9-10 years, MR was found in 80% of the dogs.
{"title":"Prevalence of mitral valve regurgitation in 97 apparently healthy Chihuahua dogs.","authors":"E Pålsson, A R Vestberg, A Tidholm","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objectives: </strong>Mitral regurgitation (MR) is often caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease which affects many small-breed dogs, including Chihuahua dogs. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of MR and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), valvular thickening, and prolapse in a group of apparently healthy Chihuahua dogs.</p><p><strong>Animals, materials and methods: </strong>Ninety-seven privately owned Chihuahua dogs, recruited via the Swedish Chihuahua Club, were included in the study. A prospective observational study was conducted where clinical examinations, electrocardiograms, and echocardiographic and Doppler examinations were performed in all dogs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mitral regurgitation was found in 37 (38%) dogs and was considered mild in 31 dogs, moderate in four dogs, and severe in two dogs. A systolic murmur over the mitral valve area was heard in 21 (22%) dogs. Mitral valve thickening was observed in 36 (37%) and mitral valve prolapse in 12 (12%) dogs. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was present in 14 (14%) of all dogs and in 30% of dogs with MR. Dogs with MR were significantly older (median: 7.6 years) than dogs without MR (median: 3 years); P < 0.0001.</p><p><strong>Study limitations: </strong>Whether or not the presence of MR reflects early stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease cannot be ascertained without the use of histological examination of the mitral valves.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Mitral regurgitation was common in this group of apparently healthy Chihuahua dogs, and at the age of 6.4 years, there is a 50% chance that a dog has developed MR. In the age group 9-10 years, MR was found in 80% of the dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145656141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.008
M. Kochi , N. Nishihara , R. Yamamoto , T. Wada , T. Mori , Y. Kurokawa , K. Kutara , K. Sugimoto
A 10-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu was referred with a heart murmur. Auscultation revealed a continuous 4/6 right anterior chest basilar murmur. Chest X-ray showed no cardiac dilation or lung abnormalities. Short-axis view on transthoracic echocardiography revealed an aneurysmal dilation from the right sinus of Valsalva, with a defect opening into the right atrium. Colour Doppler echocardiography showed a continuous, turbulent flow through the defect, entering the right atrium from the aorta, along with mild mitral and moderate aortic regurgitations. Pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio was 1.11; no cardiac dilation was observed. Computed tomography angiography showed contrast influx into the right atrium, which connected to the right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The coronary arteries were normal. A ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium was diagnosed.
{"title":"Right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm ruptured into the right atrium in a dog","authors":"M. Kochi , N. Nishihara , R. Yamamoto , T. Wada , T. Mori , Y. Kurokawa , K. Kutara , K. Sugimoto","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 10-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu was referred with a heart murmur. Auscultation revealed a continuous 4/6 right anterior chest basilar murmur. Chest X-ray showed no cardiac dilation or lung abnormalities. Short-axis view on transthoracic echocardiography revealed an aneurysmal dilation from the right sinus of Valsalva, with a defect opening into the right atrium. Colour Doppler echocardiography showed a continuous, turbulent flow through the defect, entering the right atrium from the aorta, along with mild mitral and moderate aortic regurgitations. Pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio was 1.11; no cardiac dilation was observed. Computed tomography angiography showed contrast influx into the right atrium, which connected to the right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The coronary arteries were normal. A ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium was diagnosed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 54-57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145606805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.006
R.L. Winter, D.M. Tillson, K.L. Maneval, M. Rajeev, D. Castro
A five-month-old, 2.8-kg domestic shorthair cat was presented for further evaluation of supravalvular mitral stenosis and congestive heart failure. Thoracic radiography revealed severe cardiomegaly, pulmonary arterial and venous distention, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Thoracic echocardiography revealed a thick, perforate membrane within the left atrium, just dorsal to the mitral annulus. The majority of the left atrial body including the left auricle was dorsal to this membrane, consistent with the diagnosis of supravalvular mitral stenosis. Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast was observed within the left atrium. Left ventricular internal dimensions were reduced, and there was moderate concentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle with dilation of the main pulmonary artery. Medical management for congestive heart failure was initiated, and two days later, balloon angioplasty of the supravalvular mitral stenosis was performed successfully using a hybrid surgical approach. Transthoracic echocardiography performed the following day revealed an increase in the orifice diameter within the supravalvular stenotic membrane from 2.9 mm to 6.1 mm and improved left atrial outflow. At a scheduled recheck examination 6 months later, the owner reported a drastically improved activity level without any apparent clinical signs of heart disease. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the orifice within the suprvalvular stenotic membrane was similar in diameter to the previous exam (6.0 mm), and there was resolution of the previously identified spontaneous echocardiographic contrast.
{"title":"Treatment of supravalvular mitral stenosis in a kitten with hybrid balloon angioplasty","authors":"R.L. Winter, D.M. Tillson, K.L. Maneval, M. Rajeev, D. Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A five-month-old, 2.8-kg domestic shorthair cat was presented for further evaluation of supravalvular mitral stenosis and congestive heart failure. Thoracic radiography revealed severe cardiomegaly, pulmonary arterial and venous distention, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Thoracic echocardiography revealed a thick, perforate membrane within the left atrium, just dorsal to the mitral annulus. The majority of the left atrial body including the left auricle was dorsal to this membrane, consistent with the diagnosis of supravalvular mitral stenosis. Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast was observed within the left atrium. Left ventricular internal dimensions were reduced, and there was moderate concentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle with dilation of the main pulmonary artery. Medical management for congestive heart failure was initiated, and two days later, balloon angioplasty of the supravalvular mitral stenosis was performed successfully using a hybrid surgical approach. Transthoracic echocardiography performed the following day revealed an increase in the orifice diameter within the supravalvular stenotic membrane from 2.9 mm to 6.1 mm and improved left atrial outflow. At a scheduled recheck examination 6 months later, the owner reported a drastically improved activity level without any apparent clinical signs of heart disease. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the orifice within the suprvalvular stenotic membrane was similar in diameter to the previous exam (6.0 mm), and there was resolution of the previously identified spontaneous echocardiographic contrast.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 47-53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.007
E N LeRoy, A A Williams, M O Skor, C E Lyons, A J Martinot, V K Yang
Introduction/objectives: The aim of the study was to characterize the activated macrophage (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1-positive [Iba1+]) population in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)-affected valve leaflets and associated papillary muscle (PM), as well as fibrosis within the PM associated with MMVD.
Animals, materials and methods: Mitral valve leaflets and posteromedial PM were collected from a total of 25 dogs consisting of three groups: normal group (normal valves; n = 6), mild group (mildly affected valves; n = 5), and severe group (severely affected valves; n = 14). Histological sections of mitral valves were assessed by immunohistochemistry for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1, and PM sections were similarly assessed for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 and with Sirius red for fibrosis.
Results: Significant increases in Iba1+ macrophages were noted in mitral valve leaflets from the severe group compared with the mild group (P=0.020) and the normal group (P=0.001). No significant difference in Iba1+ macrophages within the PM was noted between groups (P=0.662). Significant increases in the area of fibrosis were seen within the PM in the severe group compared with the normal and mild groups (P=0.001 and P=0.023, respectively).
Study limitations: The sample size is small, and the dogs in the normal and MMVD-affected groups are not age-matched. Furthermore, many dogs from the tissue donation program lack complete health status information.
Conclusions: Inflammation may play an important role in canine MMVD. Further investigation is needed to determine if myxomatous changes in the valves or increased fibrosis in the associated PM are initiated by inflammation.
{"title":"Distribution of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1-positive macrophages and papillary muscle fibrosis in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.","authors":"E N LeRoy, A A Williams, M O Skor, C E Lyons, A J Martinot, V K Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objectives: </strong>The aim of the study was to characterize the activated macrophage (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1-positive [Iba1<sup>+</sup>]) population in myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)-affected valve leaflets and associated papillary muscle (PM), as well as fibrosis within the PM associated with MMVD.</p><p><strong>Animals, materials and methods: </strong>Mitral valve leaflets and posteromedial PM were collected from a total of 25 dogs consisting of three groups: normal group (normal valves; n = 6), mild group (mildly affected valves; n = 5), and severe group (severely affected valves; n = 14). Histological sections of mitral valves were assessed by immunohistochemistry for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1, and PM sections were similarly assessed for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 and with Sirius red for fibrosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant increases in Iba1<sup>+</sup> macrophages were noted in mitral valve leaflets from the severe group compared with the mild group (P=0.020) and the normal group (P=0.001). No significant difference in Iba1<sup>+</sup> macrophages within the PM was noted between groups (P=0.662). Significant increases in the area of fibrosis were seen within the PM in the severe group compared with the normal and mild groups (P=0.001 and P=0.023, respectively).</p><p><strong>Study limitations: </strong>The sample size is small, and the dogs in the normal and MMVD-affected groups are not age-matched. Furthermore, many dogs from the tissue donation program lack complete health status information.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Inflammation may play an important role in canine MMVD. Further investigation is needed to determine if myxomatous changes in the valves or increased fibrosis in the associated PM are initiated by inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145688556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.005
E C Orton, J D Carroll
Mitral regurgitation is the most prevalent valvular heart disease in dogs and humans, leading to symptoms of heart failure, reduction in the quality of life, recurrent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is an established intervention for severe mitral regurgitation in human patients and has recently emerged as a promising intervention in dogs. The prospect of a minimally invasive intervention for dogs is a breakthrough development and simultaneously raises important questions of procedural timing, documenting benefit vs. risk, and outcomes compared to surgical repair or medical therapy alone. The evolution of M-TEER in humans has been documented through early feasibility studies, randomized clinical trials comparing M-TEER to medical therapy or surgical repair, and national and international registries. This review focuses on M-TEER technologies, patient selection, procedural performance, and outcomes in humans and dogs. A major goal of this review is to draw upon the extensive human experience as potentially useful in guiding the rollout in dogs and to review the many lessons learned in the human experience that may be relevant to M-TEER in dogs.
{"title":"Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: guidance in dogs from the human experience.","authors":"E C Orton, J D Carroll","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mitral regurgitation is the most prevalent valvular heart disease in dogs and humans, leading to symptoms of heart failure, reduction in the quality of life, recurrent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is an established intervention for severe mitral regurgitation in human patients and has recently emerged as a promising intervention in dogs. The prospect of a minimally invasive intervention for dogs is a breakthrough development and simultaneously raises important questions of procedural timing, documenting benefit vs. risk, and outcomes compared to surgical repair or medical therapy alone. The evolution of M-TEER in humans has been documented through early feasibility studies, randomized clinical trials comparing M-TEER to medical therapy or surgical repair, and national and international registries. This review focuses on M-TEER technologies, patient selection, procedural performance, and outcomes in humans and dogs. A major goal of this review is to draw upon the extensive human experience as potentially useful in guiding the rollout in dogs and to review the many lessons learned in the human experience that may be relevant to M-TEER in dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145497120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-14DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.002
M.I. Oliveira, G. Culshaw, S.-A. Dickson, R. Blake, Y. Martinez Pereira
Introduction/Objectives
Fast ventricular response rates (VRRs) have negative prognostic value in atrial fibrillation (AF). Therapeutic recommendations for canine AF rely on measurements of VRR from ambulatory electrocardiograms (aECGs).
Animals, Materials and methods
Data from aECG of dogs with AF were prospectively acquired alongside VRR measurements obtained at home using a smartphone-based ECG device between 7:00 and 23:00. From these data, three protocols were outlined: (A) three eight-hourly spot-checks, (B) three six-hourly spot-checks, and (C) five predetermined spot-checks. The performance of the protocols was compared with aECG using mesor, mean and median VRR. The presence of circadian variation was explored using cosinor analysis.
Results
Eighteen aECGs were analysed, and 14 were used to test the spot-check protocols. The protocols showed moderate to strong correlation with aECG, with protocol B performing best (mean, r = 0.84, P=<0.0001, bias −22.96, limits of agreement 24.4; median, r = 0.90, P=<0.0001, bias −24.48, limits of agreement 22.04). Using a mean VRR <125 beats per minute (bpm) as cut-off, 10 of 14 dogs (71.4%) had inadequate VRR control. All protocols correctly identified these dogs, with protocol A performing best for mean VRR >140 bpm. Circadian variation in VRR was identified in 17 of 18 dogs (94%).
Limitations
This study is limited by the small population, highly prevalent inadequate VRR, non-standardised treatment, measurement artefacts and precise temporal alignment with aECG.
Conclusions
Spot-check protocols offer a practical, affordable alternative to aECG for VRR assessment in dogs with AF. We have established that mean VRR >140 bpm in the protocol predicts inadequate rate control on aECG.
{"title":"Use of a spot-check protocol to measure ventricular response rate in dogs with atrial fibrillation","authors":"M.I. Oliveira, G. Culshaw, S.-A. Dickson, R. Blake, Y. Martinez Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Fast ventricular response rates (VRRs) have negative prognostic value in atrial fibrillation (AF). Therapeutic recommendations for canine AF rely on measurements of VRR from ambulatory electrocardiograms (aECGs).</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and methods</h3><div>Data from aECG of dogs with AF were prospectively acquired alongside VRR measurements obtained at home using a smartphone-based ECG device between 7:00 and 23:00. From these data, three protocols were outlined: (A) three eight-hourly spot-checks, (B) three six-hourly spot-checks, and (C) five predetermined spot-checks. The performance of the protocols was compared with aECG using mesor, mean and median VRR. The presence of circadian variation was explored using cosinor analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eighteen aECGs were analysed, and 14 were used to test the spot-check protocols. The protocols showed moderate to strong correlation with aECG, with protocol B performing best (mean, r = 0.84, P=<0.0001, bias −22.96, limits of agreement 24.4; median, r = 0.90, P=<0.0001, bias −24.48, limits of agreement 22.04). Using a mean VRR <125 beats per minute (bpm) as cut-off, 10 of 14 dogs (71.4%) had inadequate VRR control. All protocols correctly identified these dogs, with protocol A performing best for mean VRR >140 bpm. Circadian variation in VRR was identified in 17 of 18 dogs (94%).</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>This study is limited by the small population, highly prevalent inadequate VRR, non-standardised treatment, measurement artefacts and precise temporal alignment with aECG.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Spot-check protocols offer a practical, affordable alternative to aECG for VRR assessment in dogs with AF. We have established that mean VRR >140 bpm in the protocol predicts inadequate rate control on aECG.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 16-27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145446202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.001
S. Lee , M.D. Kittleson
Introduction/Objectives
Agitated saline contrast echocardiography (ASCE) has traditionally been used to identify the presence of right-to-left intracardiac shunts in dogs. In normal humans, contrast (microbubbles) commonly appears in the left heart following agitated saline contrast injection into a systemic vein via intrapulmonary (IP) shunting. The aim of this study was to determine whether this phenomenon also occurs in dogs.
Animals, Materials, and Methods
Forty-eight dogs with either a normal echocardiogram or trivial to mild mitral regurgitation were studied. A standard ASCE protocol was used, with each dog lying in right lateral recumbency.
Results
Left heart contrast was identified in 37 dogs (77%).
Study Limitations
Agitated saline contrast echocardiography was performed only once per dog and under a single condition, and intra-operator and interoperator variability was not assessed. Echocardiography alone cannot completely exclude patent foramen ovale, and stress in the hospital environment may have influenced shunting.
Conclusions
Left heart contrast following ASCE is common in dogs without a right-to-left shunting intracardiac defect. This presumably occurs via intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses.
{"title":"Prevalence of left heart contrast with agitated saline contrast echocardiography in healthy resting dogs","authors":"S. Lee , M.D. Kittleson","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Agitated saline contrast echocardiography (ASCE) has traditionally been used to identify the presence of right-to-left intracardiac shunts in dogs. In normal humans, contrast (microbubbles) commonly appears in the left heart following agitated saline contrast injection into a systemic vein via intrapulmonary (IP) shunting. The aim of this study was to determine whether this phenomenon also occurs in dogs.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials, and Methods</h3><div>Forty-eight dogs with either a normal echocardiogram or trivial to mild mitral regurgitation were studied. A standard ASCE protocol was used, with each dog lying in right lateral recumbency.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Left heart contrast was identified in 37 dogs (77%).</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>Agitated saline contrast echocardiography was performed only once per dog and under a single condition, and intra-operator and interoperator variability was not assessed. Echocardiography alone cannot completely exclude patent foramen ovale, and stress in the hospital environment may have influenced shunting.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Left heart contrast following ASCE is common in dogs without a right-to-left shunting intracardiac defect. This presumably occurs via intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"63 ","pages":"Pages 28-35"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145453795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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