Pub Date : 2025-09-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.003
E.J.Y. Lo, C. Sanchez Villamil, J. Hannabuss, A.G.N. Morey
A one-year-old Abyssinian cat was referred for episodes of vacancy, exaggerated blinking, and intermittent collapse episodes. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECG telemetry demonstrated sinus bradycardia, sinus pauses, and sinus arrest with a junctional escape rhythm. No infectious agents were identified as a cause of the bradyarrhythmia during systemic disease screening. Findings were consistent with idiopathic sick sinus syndrome. Theophylline therapy did not improve clinical signs or ECG findings. An epicardial pacemaker was placed, which alleviated clinical signs. Pacemaker interrogation after implantation showed minimal use of the pacemaker. This case report highlights the utility of ECG telemetry in describing electrocardiographic findings of sinus arrest, a junctional escape rhythm, and sinus bradycardia in a cat with clinical signs, consistent with sick sinus syndrome which resolved following epicardial pacemaker implantation.
{"title":"Epicardial pacemaker implantation in a young cat with sick sinus syndrome","authors":"E.J.Y. Lo, C. Sanchez Villamil, J. Hannabuss, A.G.N. Morey","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A one-year-old Abyssinian cat was referred for episodes of vacancy, exaggerated blinking, and intermittent collapse episodes. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECG telemetry demonstrated sinus bradycardia, sinus pauses, and sinus arrest with a junctional escape rhythm. No infectious agents were identified as a cause of the bradyarrhythmia during systemic disease screening. Findings were consistent with idiopathic sick sinus syndrome. Theophylline therapy did not improve clinical signs or ECG findings. An epicardial pacemaker was placed, which alleviated clinical signs. Pacemaker interrogation after implantation showed minimal use of the pacemaker. This case report highlights the utility of ECG telemetry in describing electrocardiographic findings of sinus arrest, a junctional escape rhythm, and sinus bradycardia in a cat with clinical signs, consistent with sick sinus syndrome which resolved following epicardial pacemaker implantation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 106-111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233891","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 : 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.002
B. Ditzler , B. Lozano , C. Jones , M. Henderson , A.B. Saunders
A one-and-a-half-year-old spayed female domestic shorthaired cat, originally obtained as a stray, presented with a two-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and progressive dyspnea. Point-of-care ultrasound showed marked bilateral pleural effusion and a small volume of ascites. Thoracocentesis resulted in the removal of 220 mL of protein poor transudate. Subsequently, a gallop was auscultated and an echocardiogram was performed. Significant findings on echocardiography were a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype characterized by biventricular eccentric hypertrophy with normal left ventricular diastolic wall thickness and reduced biventricular systolic function with biatrial enlargement. The cat was fed a standard diet and had adequate plasma and whole blood taurine concentration. Infectious disease testing detected Bartonella spp. immunoglobulin G antibodies (1:512) including Bartonella vinsonii of which the cat is not a natural reservoir host. The cat was treated for dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure with pimobendan, furosemide, and clopidogrel as well as with pradofloxacin and doxycycline for suspected bartonellosis. At 2.5-, 5-, and 9-month rechecks, echocardiogram findings were markedly improved with a reduction in atrial and ventricular chamber enlargement to normal and normal ventricular systolic function and without any further evidence of congestive heart failure. Repeat Bartonella spp. titers were unchanged at 2.5 months. This case describes reverse remodeling of a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype and resolution of congestive heart failure with discontinuation of cardiac medications in a young cat with suspected Bartonella myocarditis.
{"title":"Transient dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype and positive Bartonella serology in a cat","authors":"B. Ditzler , B. Lozano , C. Jones , M. Henderson , A.B. Saunders","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A one-and-a-half-year-old spayed female domestic shorthaired cat, originally obtained as a stray, presented with a two-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and progressive dyspnea. Point-of-care ultrasound showed marked bilateral pleural effusion and a small volume of ascites. Thoracocentesis resulted in the removal of 220 mL of protein poor transudate. Subsequently, a gallop was auscultated and an echocardiogram was performed. Significant findings on echocardiography were a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype characterized by biventricular eccentric hypertrophy with normal left ventricular diastolic wall thickness and reduced biventricular systolic function with biatrial enlargement. The cat was fed a standard diet and had adequate plasma and whole blood taurine concentration. Infectious disease testing detected <em>Bartonella</em> spp. immunoglobulin G antibodies (1:512) including <em>Bartonella vinsonii</em> of which the cat is not a natural reservoir host. The cat was treated for dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure with pimobendan, furosemide, and clopidogrel as well as with pradofloxacin and doxycycline for suspected bartonellosis. At 2.5-, 5-, and 9-month rechecks, echocardiogram findings were markedly improved with a reduction in atrial and ventricular chamber enlargement to normal and normal ventricular systolic function and without any further evidence of congestive heart failure. Repeat <em>Bartonella</em> spp. titers were unchanged at 2.5 months. This case describes reverse remodeling of a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype and resolution of congestive heart failure with discontinuation of cardiac medications in a young cat with suspected <em>Bartonella</em> myocarditis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 112-117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145245545","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 : 2025-09-08DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.001
L.S. Köster , A.B. Asbury , C.M. Springer
Introduction/Objectives
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can have a variable clinical course. The aims of this study were to describe Doppler estimates of shunt volume and their association with clinical and echocardiographic abnormalities.
Animals, Materials and Methods
Dogs with a diagnosis of a PDA on echocardiography were included in this study. Signalment, clinical signs, Doppler estimates of shunt volume, and outcome were collected from medical records (June 2020 and 2023) and examined for statistical associations. Groups included hemodynamically insignificant, incidental left-to-right (LR) shunt, left-to-right shunt with congestive heart failure (LCHF), and pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Results
Most dogs had standard LR shunts (76%), 4/4 heart murmur (69%), closing Doppler pattern characterized by—continuous LR shunting and high velocity (71%), and a color flow Doppler pattern—extending to the pulmonic valve (51%). Larger left ventricular chambers and normalized color flow Doppler width (CFDw) (P=0.023) were found in clinical as compared to asymptomatic dogs. Transmitral peak E (E), left ventricular outflow tract velocities, and color flow Doppler pixilation percent fill of the main pulmonary artery (CFD%) were correlated with left chamber dimensions. The LCHF group had a larger CFDw than the LR shunt group (P=0.009), which in turn was larger than that of the PH group (P=0.004). The mean CFD% was larger in the LCHF group (P=0.008) than in the LR-shunt group.
Study Limitations
The retrospective data collection limited standardization of image acquisition. Applicability is further limited by lack of intra-observer and interobserver variability analyses.
Conclusions
Doppler measures of shunt volume in dogs with PDA include E- and left ventricular outflow tract velocities, CFDw, and CFD%.
{"title":"Echocardiographic description of shunt volume in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus","authors":"L.S. Köster , A.B. Asbury , C.M. Springer","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can have a variable clinical course. The aims of this study were to describe Doppler estimates of shunt volume and their association with clinical and echocardiographic abnormalities.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Dogs with a diagnosis of a PDA on echocardiography were included in this study. Signalment, clinical signs, Doppler estimates of shunt volume, and outcome were collected from medical records (June 2020 and 2023) and examined for statistical associations. Groups included hemodynamically insignificant, incidental left-to-right (LR) shunt, left-to-right shunt with congestive heart failure (LCHF), and pulmonary hypertension (PH).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most dogs had standard LR shunts (76%), 4/4 heart murmur (69%), closing Doppler pattern characterized by—continuous LR shunting and high velocity (71%), and a color flow Doppler pattern—extending to the pulmonic valve (51%). Larger left ventricular chambers and normalized color flow Doppler width (CFDw) (P=0.023) were found in clinical as compared to asymptomatic dogs. Transmitral peak E (E), left ventricular outflow tract velocities, and color flow Doppler pixilation percent fill of the main pulmonary artery (CFD%) were correlated with left chamber dimensions. The LCHF group had a larger CFDw than the LR shunt group (P=0.009), which in turn was larger than that of the PH group (P=0.004). The mean CFD% was larger in the LCHF group (P=0.008) than in the LR-shunt group.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>The retrospective data collection limited standardization of image acquisition. Applicability is further limited by lack of intra-observer and interobserver variability analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Doppler measures of shunt volume in dogs with PDA include E- and left ventricular outflow tract velocities, CFDw, and CFD%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 118-131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145245481","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 : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.008
M. Croce , F. Marchesotti , O. Domenech , M. Bini , M. Tursi
A six-month-old, 23.5 kg female Rottweiler with severe subaortic stenosis (SAS) was referred for cardiological management due to exercise intolerance. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe SAS with a pressure gradient of 130 mmHg. A combined cutting balloon and high-pressure balloon dilation was performed. Postoperatively, the dog developed neurological signs, including depression, absent menace reaction, and reduced facial sensation. Despite further treatment, the clinical signs worsened with blindness and inability to maintain spontaneous breathing before becoming comatose, after which the owner elected for euthanasia.
Necropsy confirmed severe SAS and revealed chronic cerebrocortical necrosis in the brain, with multiple intraparenchymal hemorrhages, vessel congestion, and gliosis. These findings indicated chronic ischemic damage such as that highlighted in cerebral small vessel disease described in humans. This case suggests a potential link between severe SAS and cerebral small vessel disease, similar to findings reported in human patients with severe aortic stenosis. Further research is necessary to explore the connection between SAS in dogs and cerebral perfusion alterations and to determine whether the intervention triggered the symptoms or if they arose independently.
{"title":"Cerebral small vessel disease in a six-month-old Rottweiler with severe subaortic stenosis","authors":"M. Croce , F. Marchesotti , O. Domenech , M. Bini , M. Tursi","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A six-month-old, 23.5 kg female Rottweiler with severe subaortic stenosis (SAS) was referred for cardiological management due to exercise intolerance. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe SAS with a pressure gradient of 130 mmHg. A combined cutting balloon and high-pressure balloon dilation was performed. Postoperatively, the dog developed neurological signs, including depression, absent menace reaction, and reduced facial sensation. Despite further treatment, the clinical signs worsened with blindness and inability to maintain spontaneous breathing before becoming comatose, after which the owner elected for euthanasia.</div><div>Necropsy confirmed severe SAS and revealed chronic cerebrocortical necrosis in the brain, with multiple intraparenchymal hemorrhages, vessel congestion, and gliosis. These findings indicated chronic ischemic damage such as that highlighted in cerebral small vessel disease described in humans. This case suggests a potential link between severe SAS and cerebral small vessel disease, similar to findings reported in human patients with severe aortic stenosis. Further research is necessary to explore the connection between SAS in dogs and cerebral perfusion alterations and to determine whether the intervention triggered the symptoms or if they arose independently.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 141-146"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259715","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 : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.006
C. Ferri, O. Dossin, V. Gouni
A 13-month-old female spayed Russian blue cat was presented for acute respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs revealed signs of left-sided congestive heart failure with pulmonary oedema, and the echocardiogram showed left ventricular myocardial thickening and concurrent left atrial dilation. In the first hours following admission, in addition to the classic management of congestive heart failure, dobutamine was used because of hypotension. The cat was discharged five days after admission with a prescription of furosemide 1.11 mg/kg PO q 12 h and pimobendan 0.15 mg/kg PO q 12 h. An echocardiographic follow-up, one month later, showed normalisation of the left ventricular walls and atrial size, justifying a gradual withdrawal of drugs. Eight months later, the cat experienced recurrence of clinical signs. Thoracic radiographs suggested a relapsing pulmonary oedema. The echocardiogram showed again a hypertrophic phenotype with moderate left atrial dilation. The cat was hospitalised, and the case was treated similarly to the first episode. Cardiac troponin I was increased to 9.89 ng/mL [<0.2 ng/mL]. Infectious disease tests were negative. Two weeks later, echocardiography showed again normalisation of left ventricular walls and atrial diameter. Treatments were gradually stopped, and subsequent echocardiographic checks showed no abnormalities. After the resolution of the second episode, it was noted that both respiratory distress events appeared after contact with a family member who was using minoxidil to treat androgenic alopecia and whose hair the cat had insistently licked. Minoxidil intoxication was retrospectively considered a likely contributor to these episodes of transient myocardial thickening associated with congestive heart failure.
一只13个月大的雌性绝育俄罗斯蓝猫出现急性呼吸窘迫。胸片显示左侧充血性心力衰竭伴肺水肿的征象，超声心动图显示左室心肌增厚并伴有左房扩张。在入院后的最初几个小时，除了典型的充血性心力衰竭治疗外，由于低血压而使用多巴酚丁胺。入院后5天，猫出院，处方速尿1.11 mg/kg PO q 12 h，匹莫苯丹0.15 mg/kg PO q 12 h。1个月后超声心动图随访显示左心室壁和心房大小恢复正常，证明逐渐停药是合理的。8个月后，猫再次出现临床症状。胸片提示肺水肿复发。超声心动图再次显示肥厚表型伴中度左心房扩张。这只猫被送进医院，该病例的治疗与第一次发作类似。心肌肌钙蛋白I升高至9.89 ng/mL [
{"title":"Heart failure associated with minoxidil intoxication in a cat","authors":"C. Ferri, O. Dossin, V. Gouni","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 13-month-old female spayed Russian blue cat was presented for acute respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs revealed signs of left-sided congestive heart failure with pulmonary oedema, and the echocardiogram showed left ventricular myocardial thickening and concurrent left atrial dilation. In the first hours following admission, in addition to the classic management of congestive heart failure, dobutamine was used because of hypotension. The cat was discharged five days after admission with a prescription of furosemide 1.11 mg/kg PO q 12 h and pimobendan 0.15 mg/kg PO q 12 h. An echocardiographic follow-up, one month later, showed normalisation of the left ventricular walls and atrial size, justifying a gradual withdrawal of drugs. Eight months later, the cat experienced recurrence of clinical signs. Thoracic radiographs suggested a relapsing pulmonary oedema. The echocardiogram showed again a hypertrophic phenotype with moderate left atrial dilation. The cat was hospitalised, and the case was treated similarly to the first episode. Cardiac troponin I was increased to 9.89 ng/mL [<0.2 ng/mL]. Infectious disease tests were negative. Two weeks later, echocardiography showed again normalisation of left ventricular walls and atrial diameter. Treatments were gradually stopped, and subsequent echocardiographic checks showed no abnormalities. After the resolution of the second episode, it was noted that both respiratory distress events appeared after contact with a family member who was using minoxidil to treat androgenic alopecia and whose hair the cat had insistently licked. Minoxidil intoxication was retrospectively considered a likely contributor to these episodes of transient myocardial thickening associated with congestive heart failure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 99-105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233910","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 : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.007
V. Saponaro , J.-L. Cadoré , M. Dhunputh
A 17-month-old male Staffordshire bull terrier dog was referred in order to assess an asymptomatic arrhythmia. A 5-min electrocardiogram and 24-h Holter monitor recording revealed the following criteria for ventricular parasystole (VP): mathematically related interectopic intervals, varying coupling intervals of ventricular complexes with sinus complexes, and the presence of fusion complexes. The effect of modulation of the VP cycle length by the sinus rhythm was highlighted on the Holter monitor recording. As the dog did not present with clinical signs and the arrhythmia was judged benign, treatment was not prescribed. The veterinary literature about VP is quite poor. A few case reports exist, all without an association with cardiac disease and any evidence of usefulness of an anti-arrhythmic treatment. A long period (more than a short electrocardiogram) is advised in order to definitively diagnose VP and to rule out malignant arrhythmia.
{"title":"Cardiovascular images: long-term electrocardiogram assessment of ventricular modulated parasystole in a 17-month-old dog","authors":"V. Saponaro , J.-L. Cadoré , M. Dhunputh","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 17-month-old male Staffordshire bull terrier dog was referred in order to assess an asymptomatic arrhythmia. A 5-min electrocardiogram and 24-h Holter monitor recording revealed the following criteria for ventricular parasystole (VP): mathematically related interectopic intervals, varying coupling intervals of ventricular complexes with sinus complexes, and the presence of fusion complexes. The effect of modulation of the VP cycle length by the sinus rhythm was highlighted on the Holter monitor recording. As the dog did not present with clinical signs and the arrhythmia was judged benign, treatment was not prescribed. The veterinary literature about VP is quite poor. A few case reports exist, all without an association with cardiac disease and any evidence of usefulness of an anti-arrhythmic treatment. A long period (more than a short electrocardiogram) is advised in order to definitively diagnose VP and to rule out malignant arrhythmia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 94-98"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158099","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 : 2025-08-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.005
V. Patata , T. Vezzosi , C. Fabris , M. Bini , F. Marchesotti , G. Grosso , O. Domenech
Introduction/Objectives
Left atrial dimensions correlate with body weight (BW) in cats. Atrial dimensions can be obtained from both right parasternal long-axis (RPLAx) and right parasternal short-axis images. However, reference ranges for RPLAx-derived left atrial diameter (LAD) obtained from a large sample of healthy cats are needed. This study measured LAD from the RPLAx view and calculated a normalized value to BW (LADn) and left atrial diameter-to-aortic annulus ratio (LAD:Ao). Study aims included developing prediction intervals for LADn, defining reference intervals for LAD:Ao, and investigating useful cutoffs for these variables for detection of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats with cardiomyopathy.
Animals, Materials and Methods
Healthy cats (n = 303) and cats with different types of cardiomyopathy (198 preclinical; 71 with CHF). From RPLAx images, the LAD was measured from the interatrial septum to the free wall at end-systole and aortic diameter was measured at the annulus to calculate the LAD:Ao. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of BW on the LAD. Cutoffs of LADn and LAD:Ao that identified cats with CHF were generated.
Results
The LAD correlated to BW (r = 0.52, P<0.001). The formula to calculate LADn was LAD (mm)/BW (kg)0.19, while median RPLAx LAD:Ao was 2.0 (95% reference interval: 1.55–2.47). Values of LADn >12.7 and LAD:Ao >2.5 had a sensitivity of 92.8% and 88.7% and a specificity of 91.5% and 93.6%, respectively, in detecting CHF.
Study Limitations
Due to the retrospective design of the study and lack of longitudinal follow-up, the inclusion of cats with occult CM in the healthy group cannot be entirely ruled out.
Conclusions
The LAD correlates with BW in cats. In the evaluation of LA dimension, LADn and LAD:Ao might be preferable to unadjusted LAD, especially in smaller and larger breeds of cats.
{"title":"Clinical utility of left atrial diameter normalized for body weight in healthy and cardiomyopathic cats","authors":"V. Patata , T. Vezzosi , C. Fabris , M. Bini , F. Marchesotti , G. Grosso , O. Domenech","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Left atrial dimensions correlate with body weight (BW) in cats. Atrial dimensions can be obtained from both right parasternal long-axis (RPLAx) and right parasternal short-axis images. However, reference ranges for RPLAx-derived left atrial diameter (LAD) obtained from a large sample of healthy cats are needed. This study measured LAD from the RPLAx view and calculated a normalized value to BW (LADn) and left atrial diameter-to-aortic annulus ratio (LAD:Ao). Study aims included developing prediction intervals for LADn, defining reference intervals for LAD:Ao, and investigating useful cutoffs for these variables for detection of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats with cardiomyopathy.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Healthy cats (n = 303) and cats with different types of cardiomyopathy (198 preclinical; 71 with CHF). From RPLAx images, the LAD was measured from the interatrial septum to the free wall at end-systole and aortic diameter was measured at the annulus to calculate the LAD:Ao. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of BW on the LAD. Cutoffs of LADn and LAD:Ao that identified cats with CHF were generated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The LAD correlated to BW (r = 0.52, P<0.001). The formula to calculate LADn was LAD (mm)/BW (kg)<sup>0.19</sup>, while median RPLAx LAD:Ao was 2.0 (95% reference interval: 1.55–2.47). Values of LADn >12.7 and LAD:Ao >2.5 had a sensitivity of 92.8% and 88.7% and a specificity of 91.5% and 93.6%, respectively, in detecting CHF.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>Due to the retrospective design of the study and lack of longitudinal follow-up, the inclusion of cats with occult CM in the healthy group cannot be entirely ruled out.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The LAD correlates with BW in cats. In the evaluation of LA dimension, LADn and LAD:Ao might be preferable to unadjusted LAD, especially in smaller and larger breeds of cats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 85-93"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082149","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 : 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.004
A. Chen , K. Kurogochi , S. Ono , M. Uechi
Introduction/Objectives
Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs) are frequently associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs) in humans, and computed tomography (CT) angiography provides high diagnostic accuracy. However, SVASD with PAPVC has been reported in only a few veterinary cases. This study evaluated CT for a definitive diagnosis and described the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of dogs with SVASD and PAPVC.
Animals, Materials and Methods
Ten dogs diagnosed with SVASD using CT angiography were retrospectively reviewed. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for the initial assessment, and CT angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings were described.
Results
Transthoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial and ventricular dilation in each dog, with suspected SVASD in seven cases. In the remaining three dogs, echocardiography did not detect the SVASD. Computed tomography angiography identified a defect in the interatrial septum near the cranial vena cava in each case. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection was confirmed in all dogs, with drainage sites involving the right atrium, the junction with cranial vena cava, or the cranial vena cava. Nine dogs underwent surgical repair, and surgery was not recommended for one dog because of suspected severe pulmonary hypertension.
Study Limitations
The small number of cases limited statistical evaluation, and the retrospective design may have introduced bias in echocardiographic assessment.
Conclusions
Sinus venosus atrial septal defect in dogs is often accompanied by PAPVC, which was present in 100% of the cases in this group of dogs. Computed tomography proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool, enhancing the sensitivity of identifying SVASD and PAPVC in dogs.
{"title":"Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of sinus venosus atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in 10 dogs","authors":"A. Chen , K. Kurogochi , S. Ono , M. Uechi","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs) are frequently associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs) in humans, and computed tomography (CT) angiography provides high diagnostic accuracy. However, SVASD with PAPVC has been reported in only a few veterinary cases. This study evaluated CT for a definitive diagnosis and described the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of dogs with SVASD and PAPVC.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Ten dogs diagnosed with SVASD using CT angiography were retrospectively reviewed. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for the initial assessment, and CT angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings were described.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Transthoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial and ventricular dilation in each dog, with suspected SVASD in seven cases. In the remaining three dogs, echocardiography did not detect the SVASD. Computed tomography angiography identified a defect in the interatrial septum near the cranial vena cava in each case. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection was confirmed in all dogs, with drainage sites involving the right atrium, the junction with cranial vena cava, or the cranial vena cava. Nine dogs underwent surgical repair, and surgery was not recommended for one dog because of suspected severe pulmonary hypertension.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>The small number of cases limited statistical evaluation, and the retrospective design may have introduced bias in echocardiographic assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Sinus venosus atrial septal defect in dogs is often accompanied by PAPVC, which was present in 100% of the cases in this group of dogs. Computed tomography proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool, enhancing the sensitivity of identifying SVASD and PAPVC in dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 72-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145060202","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 : 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.003
I. Apolloni, S. Crosara, S. Oricco, C. Quintavalla
A 9-year-old, outdoors, Italian hound dog was referred for severe hypothermia that had occurred after vomiting and diarrhea. At presentation, the electrocardiogram showed a slow ventricular response atrial fibrillation with an instantaneous heart rate ranging from 20 to 115 beats/min. The QRS complexes were mildly enlarged and followed by a J wave. The QT interval was prolonged (360 msec). Multiple wide QRS complexes with various bizarre morphologies, either singular or in couples, indicative of ventricular ectopic beats, were also observed. The dog was hospitalized and actively rewarmed; the rhythm spontaneously converted to sinus rhythm with respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
{"title":"Slow ventricular response atrial fibrillation and J wave in a hypothermic dog","authors":"I. Apolloni, S. Crosara, S. Oricco, C. Quintavalla","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 9-year-old, outdoors, Italian hound dog was referred for severe hypothermia that had occurred after vomiting and diarrhea. At presentation, the electrocardiogram showed a slow ventricular response atrial fibrillation with an instantaneous heart rate ranging from 20 to 115 beats/min. The QRS complexes were mildly enlarged and followed by a J wave. The QT interval was prolonged (360 msec). Multiple wide QRS complexes with various bizarre morphologies, either singular or in couples, indicative of ventricular ectopic beats, were also observed. The dog was hospitalized and actively rewarmed; the rhythm spontaneously converted to sinus rhythm with respiratory sinus arrhythmia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 68-71"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049001","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 : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.002
T. Gunasekaran, S. Prabhakar, R.A. Sanders
Introduction/Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of smartphone electrocardiogram (ECG) to estimate heart rate (HR) in dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF) and assess its agreement with the 24-h mean HR obtained from continuous ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter monitoring).
Animals, Materials and Methods
Eleven dogs were fitted with a Holter monitor, while owners recorded 5-min ECGs using smartphone application–based electrodes, both attached and manually placed. Recordings were analyzed for the application’s QRS detection accuracy. Bland-Altman and bias plots compared smartphone-derived HR with Holter-derived HR. Receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed the smartphone ECG’s ability to differentiate between 24-h mean HRs above or below 125 beats per min (bpm).
Results
The smartphone ECG underestimated HR due to undersensing of QRS complexes by a mean of 7.15 bpm (standard deviation = 22.13) for the attached electrode and 2.6 bpm (standard deviation = 6.09) for the manually placed electrode. Bland-Altman analysis showed poor agreement, with a differential bias of −34.69 bpm (95% confidence interval = −73.25, 3.86) and proportional bias of 1.25 bpm (95% confidence interval = 0.988, 1.50). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a smartphone HR threshold of 122.5 bpm with 100% sensitivity and 99.96% specificity for distinguishing 24-h mean HRs above or below 125 bpm.
Study Limitations
The limitations of this study were the small sample size of large-breed dogs and limited generalizability to all AF etiologies.
Conclusions
Smartphone ECG underestimated HR in dogs with AF and showed poor agreement with Holter-derived HR. However, it may help identify dogs with 24-h mean HR above or below 125 bpm.
{"title":"Assessment of heart rate measurements obtained from smartphone electrocardiography as compared to 24-h Holter monitoring in dogs with atrial fibrillation","authors":"T. Gunasekaran, S. Prabhakar, R.A. Sanders","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of smartphone electrocardiogram (ECG) to estimate heart rate (HR) in dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF) and assess its agreement with the 24-h mean HR obtained from continuous ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter monitoring).</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Eleven dogs were fitted with a Holter monitor, while owners recorded 5-min ECGs using smartphone application–based electrodes, both attached and manually placed. Recordings were analyzed for the application’s QRS detection accuracy. Bland-Altman and bias plots compared smartphone-derived HR with Holter-derived HR. Receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed the smartphone ECG’s ability to differentiate between 24-h mean HRs above or below 125 beats per min (bpm).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The smartphone ECG underestimated HR due to undersensing of QRS complexes by a mean of 7.15 bpm (standard deviation = 22.13) for the attached electrode and 2.6 bpm (standard deviation = 6.09) for the manually placed electrode. Bland-Altman analysis showed poor agreement, with a differential bias of −34.69 bpm (95% confidence interval = −73.25, 3.86) and proportional bias of 1.25 bpm (95% confidence interval = 0.988, 1.50). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a smartphone HR threshold of 122.5 bpm with 100% sensitivity and 99.96% specificity for distinguishing 24-h mean HRs above or below 125 bpm.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>The limitations of this study were the small sample size of large-breed dogs and limited generalizability to all AF etiologies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Smartphone ECG underestimated HR in dogs with AF and showed poor agreement with Holter-derived HR. However, it may help identify dogs with 24-h mean HR above or below 125 bpm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"62 ","pages":"Pages 60-67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144926194","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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