Left atrial size and contractile function in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic mitral valve disease / Tamanho e função sistólica atrial esquerda em cães sadios e com doença valvar crônica de mitral

In humans, left atrial enlargement and reduced contractile functions are associated with adverse cardiovascular events and a poor prognosis in many dilatation of the left atrium occurs with the gradual evolution of chronic mitral valve disease and is well diseases. The left atrium is the most compromised cardiac chamber in dogs with chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the main parameters of left atrial enlargement (left atrium/aorta ratio, left atrial diameter and volume indices) and contractile function (transmitral flow peak velocity A wave and time velocity integral, atrial fraction, and atrial ejection force) at different stages of valve disease, and correlate the left atrial diameter, volume, and contractile function indices with echocardiographic variables predictive of heart failure in dogs (transmitral flow peak velocity E wave, E wave/IVRT ratio, E wave/E´wave ratio, and E wave/A wave ratio). The results showed that progressive characterized by the left atrium/aorta ratio and left atrium volume index. The left atrial diameter and volume indices and left atrium/aorta ratio correlated positively with the transmitral flow peak velocity E wave and E wave/IVRT ratio, which are important indices of diastolic function. The left atrial contractile function indices increased as CMVD evolved. Except for the atrial fraction, the left atrial contractile function indices correlated with the left ventricular filling pressure indices.(AU)

O tamanho e a função atrial esquerda estão relacionados em humanos com eventos cardiovasculares adversos e prognóstico nas principais cardiopatias. Na doença valvar crônica de mitral (DVCM) em cães, o átrio esquerdo é a câmara cardíaca mais comprometida. Portanto, os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar os principais parâmetros de aumento atrial esquerdo (relação átrio esquerdo/aorta, índice do diâmetro atrial esquerdo e índice do volume atrial esquerdo) e função contrátil de átrio esquerdo (velocidade máxima e integral de velocidade da onda A do fluxo transvalvar mitral, fração atrial e força de ejeção atrial) nos diferentes estágios da doença valvar; correlacionar diâmetro e volume atrial esquerdo e os índices de função contrátil atrial esquerda com as variáveis ecocardiográficas preditivas de insuficiência cardíaca em cães (velocidade máxima da onda E do fluxo transvalvar mitral, relação E/TRIV, relação E/E'par e relação E/A). Os resultados mostraram que com a evolução progressiva da doença valvar crônica de mitral, ocorre dilatação progressiva do átrio esquerdo, bem caracterizada pela relação átrio esquerdo/aorta e pelo índice de volume atrial esquerdo. O índice do diâmetro atrial esquerdo, o índice de volume atrial esquerdo e a relação átrio esquerdo/aorta correlacionam-se, positivamente, com a velocidade da onda E e com a relação E/TRIV, que são importantes índices de função diastólica. Os índices de função contrátil do átrio esquerdo aumentam à medida que a DVCM evolui. Os índices de função contrátil do átrio esquerdo apresentam correlação positiva com os índices de pressão de enchimento ventricular esquerdo, exceção feita à fração atrial.(AU)

Left atrial size and contractile function in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic mitral valve disease / Tamanho e função sistólica atrial esquerda em cães sadios e com doença valvar crônica de mitral

In humans, left atrial enlargement and reduced contractile functions are associated with adverse cardiovascular events and a poor prognosis in many dilatation of the left atrium occurs with the gradual evolution of chronic mitral valve disease and is well diseases. The left atrium is the most compromised cardiac chamber in dogs with chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the main parameters of left atrial enlargement (left atrium/aorta ratio, left atrial diameter and volume indices) and contractile function (transmitral flow peak velocity A wave and time velocity integral, atrial fraction, and atrial ejection force) at different stages of valve disease, and correlate the left atrial diameter, volume, and contractile function indices with echocardiographic variables predictive of heart failure in dogs (transmitral flow peak velocity E wave, E wave/IVRT ratio, E wave/E´wave ratio, and E wave/A wave ratio). The results showed that progressive characterized by the left atrium/aorta ratio and left atrium volume index. The left atrial diameter and volume indices and left atrium/aorta ratio correlated positively with the transmitral flow peak velocity E wave and E wave/IVRT ratio, which are important indices of diastolic function. The left atrial contractile function indices increased as CMVD evolved. Except for the atrial fraction, the left atrial contractile function indices correlated with the left ventricular filling pressure indices.(AU)

O tamanho e a função atrial esquerda estão relacionados em humanos com eventos cardiovasculares adversos e prognóstico nas principais cardiopatias. Na doença valvar crônica de mitral (DVCM) em cães, o átrio esquerdo é a câmara cardíaca mais comprometida. Portanto, os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar os principais parâmetros de aumento atrial esquerdo (relação átrio esquerdo/aorta, índice do diâmetro atrial esquerdo e índice do volume atrial esquerdo) e função contrátil de átrio esquerdo (velocidade máxima e integral de velocidade da onda A do fluxo transvalvar mitral, fração atrial e força de ejeção atrial) nos diferentes estágios da doença valvar; correlacionar diâmetro e volume atrial esquerdo e os índices de função contrátil atrial esquerda com as variáveis ecocardiográficas preditivas de insuficiência cardíaca em cães (velocidade máxima da onda E do fluxo transvalvar mitral, relação E/TRIV, relação E/E'par e relação E/A). Os resultados mostraram que com a evolução progressiva da doença valvar crônica de mitral, ocorre dilatação progressiva do átrio esquerdo, bem caracterizada pela relação átrio esquerdo/aorta e pelo índice de volume atrial esquerdo. O índice do diâmetro atrial esquerdo, o índice de volume atrial esquerdo e a relação átrio esquerdo/aorta correlacionam-se, positivamente, com a velocidade da onda E e com a relação E/TRIV, que são importantes índices de função diastólica. Os índices de função contrátil do átrio esquerdo aumentam à medida que a DVCM evolui. Os índices de função contrátil do átrio esquerdo apresentam correlação positiva com os índices de pressão de enchimento ventricular esquerdo, exceção feita à fração atrial.(AU)

Clinical monitoring of cardiac output assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography in anaesthetised dogs: a comparison with the thermodilution technique.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac output (CO) is an important haemodynamic parameter to monitor in patients during surgery. However, the majority of the techniques for measuring CO have a limited application in veterinary practice due to their invasive approach and associated complexity and risks. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a technique used to monitor cardiac function in human patients during surgical procedures and allows CO to be measured non-invasively. This prospective clinical study aimed to compare the transoesophageal echocardiography using a transgastric view of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the thermodilution (TD) technique for the assessment of CO during mean arterial pressure of 65-80 mmHg (normotension) and <65 mmHg (hypotension) in dogs undergoing elective surgery. Eight dogs were pre-medicated with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM), tramadol (4 mg/kg, IM) and atropine (0.03 mg/kg, IM), followed by anaesthetic induction with propofol (3-5 mg/kg IV) and maintenance with isoflurane associated with a continuous infusion rate of fentanyl (bolus of 3 µg/kg followed by 0.3 µg/kg/min). The CO was measured by TEE (COTEE) and TD (COTD) at the end of expiration during normotension and hypotension (induced by isoflurane). RESULTS: There was a strong positive correlation between COTEE and COTD ​​(r = 0.925; P < 0.0001). The bias between COTD and COTEE was 0.14 ± 0.29 L/min (limits of agreement, -0.44 to 0.72 L/min). The percentage error of CO measured by the two methods was 12.32%. In addition, a strong positive correlation was found between COTEE and COTD during normotension (r = 0.995; P < 0.0001) and hypotension (r = 0.78; P = 0.0223). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that the transgastric view of the LVOT by TEE was a minimally invasive alternative to clinically monitoring CO in dogs during anaesthesia. However, during hypotension, the CO obtained by TEE was less reliable, although still acceptable.

Blood lactate concentration in diabetic dogs.

Human diabetic patients may have increased lactate levels compared to non-diabetics. Despite the use of lactate levels in critical care assessment, information is lacking for diabetic dogs. Therefore, this prospective cross-sectional clinical study aimed to determine lactate concentrations in 75 diabetic dogs [25 newly diagnosed non-ketotic diabetics, 25 under insulin treatment, and 25 in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)], compared to 25 non-diabetic dogs. Lactate levels (mmol/L) were not different among groups (P = 0.20); median and 25th to 75th percentile were 2.23 and P25-75 = 1.46 to 2.83 for controls, 1.69 and P25-75 = 1.09 to 2.40 for newly diagnosed non-ketotic diabetics, 2.27 and P25-75 = 1.44 to 2.90 for dogs under insulin treatment for at least 30 days, and 2.40 and P25-75 = 1.58 to 3.01 for dogs in DKA. Longitudinal studies assessing both isomers (L- and D-lactate) are needed to better elucidate the role of lactate in the pathophysiology of diabetes acid-base status in dogs.

La concentration de lactate de sang chez les chiens diabétiques. Des patients humains avec diabète peuvent présenter augmentation des niveaux de lactate, quand comparés aux non diabetiques. Bien que est utilisé d'évaluer les patients dans un état critique, cette information manque pour les chiens diabétiques. Par conséquent, cette étude clinique s'agit d'une prospective transversale en vue de detérminer les concentrations du lactate en 75 chiens diabétiques [25 au moment du diagnostic, 25 sous traitement à l'insuline et 25 dans l'acido-cétose diabétique (ACD)], par rapport aux 25 chiens non diabétiques. Les niveaux de L-lactate ne différaient pas entre les groupes (P = 0,20). Les valeurs médianes et les centiles 25 % et 75 % étaient de 2,23 mmol/L (P25­75 = 1,46 à 2,83) pour les contrôles, 1,69 mmol/L (P25­75 = 1,09 à 2,40) au diagnostic, 2,27 mmol/L (P25­75 = 1,44 à 2,90) sous traitement à l'insuline pendant au moins 30 jours, et 2,40 mmol/L (P25­75 = 1,58 à 3,01) dans ACD. Des études longitudinales évaluant les deux isomères (L et D-lactate) sont nécessaires pour élucider son rôle dans la physiopathologie et le déséquilibre acide-base chez les chiens diabétiques.(Traduit par Ana Carolina Possas Viana).

Colangiocarcinoma em uma cadela jovem - relato de caso / Cholangiocarcinoma in a young bitch - case report / Colangiocarcinoma en una perra joven - reporte de caso

As neoplasias hepatobiliares primárias apresentam baixa prevalência em cães, geralmente acometendo animais de 9 a 12 anos. Este relato descreve um caso de colangiocarcinoma de curso clínico agudo em cadela de três anos de idade da raça labrador retriever, com histórico de êmese e hiporexia. Os exames físico e laboratorial evidenciaram hipertermia, icterícia, hipoglicemia, leucocitose, anemia, trombocitopenia e coagulopatia. Na ultrassonografia abdominal, observou-se o fígado aumentado, ecotextura heterogênea com áreas hiperecogênicas e hipoecogênicas irregulares. O animal desenvolveu quadro hemolítico grave, que culminou em óbito. Na necropsia, constatou-se fígado aumentado e irregular, microscopicamente caracterizado como colangiocarcinoma, com metástase em medula óssea, rins e baço, além de embolia pulmonar neoplásica. Este relato denota um caso atípico de colangiocarcinoma, devido à precocidade de sua ocorrência.

Primary hepatobiliary tumors have low prevalence in dogs and are usually observed in nine to 12-year-old animals. This article reports a case of acute clinical cholangiocarcinoma in a three-year-old Labrador Retriever bitch. The animal had a clinical history of emesis and hyporexia. Physical and laboratory examinations disclosed hyperthermia, jaundice, hypoglycemia, leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged liver of heterogeneous echotexture with hyperechoic and hypoechoic irregular areas. The animal developed severe hemolysis and came to die. Necropsy revealed hepatomegaly and irregular appearance of the liver; metastases were found in the bone marrow, kidneys and spleen, and neoplastic pulmonary embolism was also observed. Cholangiocarcinoma was identified microscopically. The aim of this report was to describe an atypical case of cholangiocarcinoma because of the precocity of its occurrence.

Las neoplasias hepatobiliares primarias tienen una baja prevalencia en los perros, afectando general mente animales de 9 a 12 años. Este relato describe un caso de colangiocarcinoma de curso agudo en una perra Labrador retriever de tres años, con histórico de vómitos e hiporexia. Durante el examen físico se comprobó la presencia de hipertermia e ictericia, y en los exámenes de laboratorio se pudo evidenciar hipoglucemia, leucocitosis, anemia, trombocitopenia y coagulopatía. La ecografía abdominal mostró un hígado aumentado de tamaño, con ecoestructura heterogénea con áreas hiperecogénicas e hipoecogénicas irregulares. El animal desarrolló un cuadro hemolítico grave que 10 llevó a la muerte. Durante la necropsia pudo comprobarse un hígado aumentado e irregular, cuyo diagnóstico histopatológico fue de colangiocarcinoma con metástasis en medula ósea, ririones y bazo, además de una embolia pulmonar de origen neoplásico. Este relato muestra un caso atípico de colangiocarcinoma, dada la precocidad de su presentación.

Colangiocarcinoma em uma cadela jovem - relato de caso / Cholangiocarcinoma in a young bitch - case report / Colangiocarcinoma en una perra joven - reporte de caso

As neoplasias hepatobiliares primárias apresentam baixa prevalência em cães, geralmente acometendo animais de 9 a 12 anos. Este relato descreve um caso de colangiocarcinoma de curso clínico agudo em cadela de três anos de idade da raça labrador retriever, com histórico de êmese e hiporexia. Os exames físico e laboratorial evidenciaram hipertermia, icterícia, hipoglicemia, leucocitose, anemia, trombocitopenia e coagulopatia. Na ultrassonografia abdominal, observou-se o fígado aumentado, ecotextura heterogênea com áreas hiperecogênicas e hipoecogênicas irregulares. O animal desenvolveu quadro hemolítico grave, que culminou em óbito. Na necropsia, constatou-se fígado aumentado e irregular, microscopicamente caracterizado como colangiocarcinoma, com metástase em medula óssea, rins e baço, além de embolia pulmonar neoplásica. Este relato denota um caso atípico de colangiocarcinoma, devido à precocidade de sua ocorrência.(AU)

Primary hepatobiliary tumors have low prevalence in dogs and are usually observed in nine to 12-year-old animals. This article reports a case of acute clinical cholangiocarcinoma in a three-year-old Labrador Retriever bitch. The animal had a clinical history of emesis and hyporexia. Physical and laboratory examinations disclosed hyperthermia, jaundice, hypoglycemia, leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged liver of heterogeneous echotexture with hyperechoic and hypoechoic irregular areas. The animal developed severe hemolysis and came to die. Necropsy revealed hepatomegaly and irregular appearance of the liver; metastases were found in the bone marrow, kidneys and spleen, and neoplastic pulmonary embolism was also observed. Cholangiocarcinoma was identified microscopically. The aim of this report was to describe an atypical case of cholangiocarcinoma because of the precocity of its occurrence.(AU)

Las neoplasias hepatobiliares primarias tienen una baja prevalencia en los perros, afectando general mente animales de 9 a 12 años. Este relato describe un caso de colangiocarcinoma de curso agudo en una perra Labrador retriever de tres años, con histórico de vómitos e hiporexia. Durante el examen físico se comprobó la presencia de hipertermia e ictericia, y en los exámenes de laboratorio se pudo evidenciar hipoglucemia, leucocitosis, anemia, trombocitopenia y coagulopatía. La ecografía abdominal mostró un hígado aumentado de tamaño, con ecoestructura heterogénea con áreas hiperecogénicas e hipoecogénicas irregulares. El animal desarrolló un cuadro hemolítico grave que 10 llevó a la muerte. Durante la necropsia pudo comprobarse un hígado aumentado e irregular, cuyo diagnóstico histopatológico fue de colangiocarcinoma con metástasis en medula ósea, ririones y bazo, además de una embolia pulmonar de origen neoplásico. Este relato muestra un caso atípico de colangiocarcinoma, dada la precocidad de su presentación.(AU)

Tricuspid valve dysplasia in a domestic feline: case report / Displasia valvar tricúspide em um felino doméstico: relato de caso

Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is a congenital heart defect described in dogs and cats; however, in Brazil there are no reports of this condition in cats. Therefore, our goal was to report a case of TVD in a domestic cat. A four-year-old, female, domestic short hair cat that was seen at the Cardiology Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of São Paulo, for apathy, appetite loss and dyspnea for five days. During physical examination, dyspnea with a restrictive respiratory pattern due to pleural effusion was observed. Thoracocentesis was performed and 450 mL of serosanguineous fluid was drained. Two-dimensional echocardiography in the right parasternal short-axis plane at the level of the papillary muscles showed right ventricular dilatation and paradoxical septal motion. On the left parasternal apical four-chamber view, significant dilatation of the right chambers, loss of mobility of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve and a thickened mural leaflet chordae with anomalous insertion were observed. Based on clinical and echocardiographic aspects, a diagnosis of TVD was given. Treatment was initiated with enalapril 0.5 mg/kg, furosemide 0.5 mg/kg and pimobendan 0.3 mg/kg every 12 hours, all per os. The patient experienced remission of clinical manifestations and survived for 50 days after diagnosis.(AU)

Displasia valvar tricúspide (DVT) é um defeito cardíaco congênito descrito em cães e gatos. Entretanto no Brasil ainda não há relato desta cardiopatia em felinos. Desta forma, objetivou-se relatar um caso de DVT em um felino doméstico. Uma gata de pelo curto, com quatro anos de idade foi atendida no Serviço de Cardiologia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de São Paulo, apresentando apatia, perda de apetite e dispneia há cinco dias. Durante o exame físico observou-se dispneia com padrão respiratório restritivo devido a presença de efusão pleural. Foram drenados 450 mL de líquido serosanguinolento por meio de toracocentese. O ecocardiograma no modo bidimensional, pela janela paraesternal direita, ao eixo curto transversal ao nível dos músculos papilares, revelou hipertrofia excêntrica do ventrículo direito e movimento septal paradoxal. Pela vista apical quatro câmaras, na janela paraesternal esquerda, observou-se importante remodelamento de câmaras cardíacas direitas. A valva tricúspide apresentou-se com perda de mobilidade de sua cúspide septal e espessamento de cordoalha tendínea da cúspide mural, com inserção anômala. Com base nos aspectos clínicos e ecocardiográficos, instituiu-se o dianóstico de DVT. Iniciou-se o tratamento com enalapril (0,5 mg/kg), furosemida (0,5 mg/kg) e pimobendan (0,3 mg/kg), pela via oral a cada 12 horas. O paciente apresentou remissão das manifestações clínicas, sobrevivendo por 50 dias após o diagnóstico.(AU)

Tricuspid valve dysplasia in a domestic feline: case report / Displasia valvar tricúspide em um felino doméstico: relato de caso

Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is a congenital heart defect described in dogs and cats; however, in Brazil there are no reports of this condition in cats. Therefore, our goal was to report a case of TVD in a domestic cat. A four-year-old, female, domestic short hair cat that was seen at the Cardiology Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of São Paulo, for apathy, appetite loss and dyspnea for five days. During physical examination, dyspnea with a restrictive respiratory pattern due to pleural effusion was observed. Thoracocentesis was performed and 450 mL of serosanguineous fluid was drained. Two-dimensional echocardiography in the right parasternal short-axis plane at the level of the papillary muscles showed right ventricular dilatation and paradoxical septal motion. On the left parasternal apical four-chamber view, significant dilatation of the right chambers, loss of mobility of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve and a thickened mural leaflet chordae with anomalous insertion were observed. Based on clinical and echocardiographic aspects, a diagnosis of TVD was given. Treatment was initiated with enalapril 0.5 mg/kg, furosemide 0.5 mg/kg and pimobendan 0.3 mg/kg every 12 hours, all per os. The patient experienced remission of clinical manifestations and survived for 50 days after diagnosis.

Displasia valvar tricúspide (DVT) é um defeito cardíaco congênito descrito em cães e gatos. Entretanto no Brasil ainda não há relato desta cardiopatia em felinos. Desta forma, objetivou-se relatar um caso de DVT em um felino doméstico. Uma gata de pelo curto, com quatro anos de idade foi atendida no Serviço de Cardiologia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de São Paulo, apresentando apatia, perda de apetite e dispneia há cinco dias. Durante o exame físico observou-se dispneia com padrão respiratório restritivo devido a presença de efusão pleural. Foram drenados 450 mL de líquido serosanguinolento por meio de toracocentese. O ecocardiograma no modo bidimensional, pela janela paraesternal direita, ao eixo curto transversal ao nível dos músculos papilares, revelou hipertrofia excêntrica do ventrículo direito e movimento septal paradoxal. Pela vista apical quatro câmaras, na janela paraesternal esquerda, observou-se importante remodelamento de câmaras cardíacas direitas. A valva tricúspide apresentou-se com perda de mobilidade de sua cúspide septal e espessamento de cordoalha tendínea da cúspide mural, com inserção anômala. Com base nos aspectos clínicos e ecocardiográficos, instituiu-se o dianóstico de DVT. Iniciou-se o tratamento com enalapril (0,5 mg/kg), furosemida (0,5 mg/kg) e pimobendan (0,3 mg/kg), pela via oral a cada 12 horas. O pac

Tricuspid valve dysplasia in a domestic feline: case report / Displasia valvar tricúspide em um felino doméstico: relato de caso

Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is a congenital heart defect described in dogs and cats; however, in Brazil there are no reports of this condition in cats. Therefore, our goal was to report a case of TVD in a domestic cat. A four-year-old, female, domestic short hair cat that was seen at the Cardiology Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of São Paulo, for apathy, appetite loss and dyspnea for five days. During physical examination, dyspnea with a restrictive respiratory pattern due to pleural effusion was observed. Thoracocentesis was performed and 450 mL of serosanguineous fluid was drained. Two-dimensional echocardiography in the right parasternal short-axis plane at the level of the papillary muscles showed right ventricular dilatation and paradoxical septal motion. On the left parasternal apical four-chamber view, significant dilatation of the right chambers, loss of mobility of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve and a thickened mural leaflet chordae with anomalous insertion were observed. Based on clinical and echocardiographic aspects, a diagnosis of TVD was given. Treatment was initiated with enalapril 0.5 mg/kg, furosemide 0.5 mg/kg and pimobendan 0.3 mg/kg every 12 hours, all per os. The patient experienced remission of clinical manifestations and survived for 50 days after diagnosis.

Displasia valvar tricúspide (DVT) é um defeito cardíaco congênito descrito em cães e gatos. Entretanto no Brasil ainda não há relato desta cardiopatia em felinos. Desta forma, objetivou-se relatar um caso de DVT em um felino doméstico. Uma gata de pelo curto, com quatro anos de idade foi atendida no Serviço de Cardiologia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de São Paulo, apresentando apatia, perda de apetite e dispneia há cinco dias. Durante o exame físico observou-se dispneia com padrão respiratório restritivo devido a presença de efusão pleural. Foram drenados 450 mL de líquido serosanguinolento por meio de toracocentese. O ecocardiograma no modo bidimensional, pela janela paraesternal direita, ao eixo curto transversal ao nível dos músculos papilares, revelou hipertrofia excêntrica do ventrículo direito e movimento septal paradoxal. Pela vista apical quatro câmaras, na janela paraesternal esquerda, observou-se importante remodelamento de câmaras cardíacas direitas. A valva tricúspide apresentou-se com perda de mobilidade de sua cúspide septal e espessamento de cordoalha tendínea da cúspide mural, com inserção anômala. Com base nos aspectos clínicos e ecocardiográficos, instituiu-se o dianóstico de DVT. Iniciou-se o tratamento com enalapril (0,5 mg/kg), furosemida (0,5 mg/kg) e pimobendan (0,3 mg/kg), pela via oral a cada 12 horas. O paciente apresentou remissão das manif

Pimobendan improves clinical signs in short term compared to digoxin or placebo in dogs with heart failure due to chronic degenerative mitral valve disease

Background: Chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (CDMVD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF) in small breed dogs. Pimobendan (PIMO) is a mixed action drug with inotropic and vasodilator properties and is widely used to treat heart disease in dogs. Therefore, PIMO increases cardiac output, reduces both preload and afterload and increases myocardial contractility without increasing energy consumption and myocardial oxygen. Digoxin (DIG) is a cardiac glycoside acting through inhibition of the sarcolemmal Na+/K+ ATPase pump, hence increasing intracellular calcium. It exerts beneficial effects on left ventricular function, symptoms and exercise tolerance. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical response and QoLQ in heart failure (HF) dogs treated with digoxin or pimobendan in addition to conventional therapy (furosemide and benazepril).Materials, Methods & Results: Inclusion criteria: dogs in class III or stabilized class IV (NYHA). Exclusion criteria: use of positive inotrope and antiarrhythmic, presence of atrial fibrillation, renal or hepatic disease or neoplasia. Thirty three dogs were included and randomly assigned to DIG (n = 11), PIMO (n = 14) and placebo (PL) (n = 8) and followed up weekly. Data was evaluated for days zero, 7, 14 and 28. Increasing score was assigned to...

Pimobendan improves clinical signs in short term compared to digoxin or placebo in dogs with heart failure due to chronic degenerative mitral valve disease

Background: Chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (CDMVD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF) in small breed dogs. Pimobendan (PIMO) is a mixed action drug with inotropic and vasodilator properties and is widely used to treat heart disease in dogs. Therefore, PIMO increases cardiac output, reduces both preload and afterload and increases myocardial contractility without increasing energy consumption and myocardial oxygen. Digoxin (DIG) is a cardiac glycoside acting through inhibition of the sarcolemmal Na+/K+ ATPase pump, hence increasing intracellular calcium. It exerts beneficial effects on left ventricular function, symptoms and exercise tolerance. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical response and QoLQ in heart failure (HF) dogs treated with digoxin or pimobendan in addition to conventional therapy (furosemide and benazepril).Materials, Methods & Results: Inclusion criteria: dogs in class III or stabilized class IV (NYHA). Exclusion criteria: use of positive inotrope and antiarrhythmic, presence of atrial fibrillation, renal or hepatic disease or neoplasia. Thirty three dogs were included and randomly assigned to DIG (n = 11), PIMO (n = 14) and placebo (PL) (n = 8) and followed up weekly. Data was evaluated for days zero, 7, 14 and 28. Increasing score was assigned to...(AU)

A survey of owner attitudes and experiences in managing diabetic dogs.

A survey of the experiences of owners of diabetic dogs was carried out by distributing questionnaires to veterinary clinics in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 93 dog owners were surveyed over a 4 month period and descriptive statistical analysis, frequency distribution and correlations were performed. In most cases the clinical condition of the dogs had improved following treatment and owners were largely satisfied with veterinary intervention. Injection of neutral protamine hagedorm twice daily was the most commonly prescribed treatment and respondents found this procedure easy to perform, although it did pose some difficulties when the owners were away from their animals. Cost was considered an important factor at the initiation of treatment programs. The information gleaned from this survey, in providing useful insights into the attitudes and experiences of owners of diabetic animals, will contribute to improvements in the treatment and management of such patients.

AT1-receptor mediated vascular damage in myocardium, kidneys and liver in rats / Lesão vascular mediada pelo receptor AT1 esses efeitos em miocárdio, rins e fígado de ratos

The systemic aspect of vascular damage induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) has been poorly explored in the literature. Considering the presence of ANG II and its specific receptor AT1, in several organs, all tissues might be potentially affected by its effects. The aims of this study were: To evaluate the early histological changes in the heart, liver and kidneys, produced by ANG II infusion, to evaluate the protective effect of losartan. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control (no treatment), treated with ANG II, and treated with ANG II + losartan. ANG II was continuously infused over 72 hours by subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Histological sections of the myocardium, kidneys and liver were stained and observed for the presence of necrosis. There were ANG II-induced perivascular inflammation and necrosis of the arteriolar wall in the myocardium, kidney, and liver by, which were partially prevented by losartan. There was no significant correlation between heart and kidney damage. Tissue lesion severity was lower than that of vascular lesions, without statistical difference between groups. ANG II causes vascular injury in the heart, kidneys and liver, indicating a systemic vasculotoxic effect; the mechanisms of damage/protection vary depending on the target organ; perivascular lesions may occur even when anti-hypertensive doses of losartan are used.

O aspecto sistêmico da lesão vascular induzida pela angiotensina II (ANG II) tem sido pouco explorada na literatura. Considerando a presença de ANG II e de seu receptor AT1 em diversos órgãos, todos os tecidos poderiam ser potencialmente afetados por esses efeitos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: avaliar as alterações histológicas iniciais no coração, fígado e rins, produzidas pela infusão de ANG II, e avaliar o efeito protetor do losartan. Ratos Wistar foram divididos em três grupos: controle (sem tratamento), tratados com ANG II, e tratados com ANG II + losartan. A ANG II foi infundida continuamente por 72 horas por meio de mini-bombas osmóticas. Foram realizados cortes histológicos de miocárdio, rim e fígado para coloração e observação para a presença de necrose. Observou-se a presença de inflamação perivascular e necrose de parede arteriolar em miocárdio, rins e fígado, que foram parcialmente prevenidas pelo losartan. Não houve correlação significante entre as lesões observadas no coração e nos rins. A severidade da lesão tissular foi menor quando comparada às lesões vasculares, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. A ANG II causa injúria vascular no coração, rins e fígado, sugerindo um efeito vasculotóxico sistêmico; os mecanismos de lesão/proteção variam dependendo do órgão afetado; as lesões perivasculares podem ocorrer mesmo quando doses antihipertensivas de losartan forem utilizadas.

AT1-receptor mediated vascular damage in myocardium, kidneys and liver in rats / Lesão vascular mediada pelo receptor AT1 esses efeitos em miocárdio, rins e fígado de ratos

The systemic aspect of vascular damage induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) has been poorly explored in the literature. Considering the presence of ANG II and its specific receptor AT1, in several organs, all tissues might be potentially affected by its effects. The aims of this study were: To evaluate the early histological changes in the heart, liver and kidneys, produced by ANG II infusion, to evaluate the protective effect of losartan. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control (no treatment), treated with ANG II, and treated with ANG II + losartan. ANG II was continuously infused over 72 hours by subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Histological sections of the myocardium, kidneys and liver were stained and observed for the presence of necrosis. There were ANG II-induced perivascular inflammation and necrosis of the arteriolar wall in the myocardium, kidney, and liver by, which were partially prevented by losartan. There was no significant correlation between heart and kidney damage. Tissue lesion severity was lower than that of vascular lesions, without statistical difference between groups. ANG II causes vascular injury in the heart, kidneys and liver, indicating a systemic vasculotoxic effect; the mechanisms of damage/protection vary depending on the target organ; perivascular lesions may occur even when anti-hypertensive doses of losartan are used.

O aspecto sistêmico da lesão vascular induzida pela angiotensina II (ANG II) tem sido pouco explorada na literatura. Considerando a presença de ANG II e de seu receptor AT1 em diversos órgãos, todos os tecidos poderiam ser potencialmente afetados por esses efeitos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: avaliar as alterações histológicas iniciais no coração, fígado e rins, produzidas pela infusão de ANG II, e avaliar o efeito protetor do losartan. Ratos Wistar foram divididos em três grupos: controle (sem tratamento), tratados com ANG II, e tratados com ANG II + losartan. A ANG II foi infundida continuamente por 72 horas por meio de mini-bombas osmóticas. Foram realizados cortes histológicos de miocárdio, rim e fígado para coloração e observação para a presença de necrose. Observou-se a presença de inflamação perivascular e necrose de parede arteriolar em miocárdio, rins e fígado, que foram parcialmente prevenidas pelo losartan. Não houve correlação significante entre as lesões observadas no coração e nos rins. A severidade da lesão tissular foi menor quando comparada às lesões vasculares, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. A ANG II causa injúria vascular no coração, rins e fígado, sugerindo um efeito vasculotóxico sistêmico; os mecanismos de lesão/proteção variam dependendo do órgão afetado; as lesões perivasculares podem ocorrer mesmo quando doses antihipertensivas de losartan forem utilizadas.

AT1-receptor mediated vascular damage in myocardium, kidneys and liver in rats / Lesão vascular mediada pelo receptor AT1 esses efeitos em miocárdio, rins e fígado de ratos

The systemic aspect of vascular damage induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) has been poorly explored in the literature. Considering the presence of ANG II and its specific receptor AT1, in several organs, all tissues might be potentially affected by its effects. The aims of this study were: To evaluate the early histological changes in the heart, liver and kidneys, produced by ANG II infusion, to evaluate the protective effect of losartan. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control (no treatment), treated with ANG II, and treated with ANG II + losartan. ANG II was continuously infused over 72 hours by subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Histological sections of the myocardium, kidneys and liver were stained and observed for the presence of necrosis. There were ANG II-induced perivascular inflammation and necrosis of the arteriolar wall in the myocardium, kidney, and liver by, which were partially prevented by losartan. There was no significant correlation between heart and kidney damage. Tissue lesion severity was lower than that of vascular lesions, without statistical difference between groups. ANG II causes vascular injury in the heart, kidneys and liver, indicating a systemic vasculotoxic effect; the mechanisms of damage/protection vary depending on the target organ; perivascular lesions may occur even when anti-hypertensive doses of losartan are used.(AU)

O aspecto sistêmico da lesão vascular induzida pela angiotensina II (ANG II) tem sido pouco explorada na literatura. Considerando a presença de ANG II e de seu receptor AT1 em diversos órgãos, todos os tecidos poderiam ser potencialmente afetados por esses efeitos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: avaliar as alterações histológicas iniciais no coração, fígado e rins, produzidas pela infusão de ANG II, e avaliar o efeito protetor do losartan. Ratos Wistar foram divididos em três grupos: controle (sem tratamento), tratados com ANG II, e tratados com ANG II + losartan. A ANG II foi infundida continuamente por 72 horas por meio de mini-bombas osmóticas. Foram realizados cortes histológicos de miocárdio, rim e fígado para coloração e observação para a presença de necrose. Observou-se a presença de inflamação perivascular e necrose de parede arteriolar em miocárdio, rins e fígado, que foram parcialmente prevenidas pelo losartan. Não houve correlação significante entre as lesões observadas no coração e nos rins. A severidade da lesão tissular foi menor quando comparada às lesões vasculares, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. A ANG II causa injúria vascular no coração, rins e fígado, sugerindo um efeito vasculotóxico sistêmico; os mecanismos de lesão/proteção variam dependendo do órgão afetado; as lesões perivasculares podem ocorrer mesmo quando doses antihipertensivas de losartan forem utilizadas.(AU)

Protective effects of carvedilol on systemic vascular damage induced by angiotensin II: organ-specific effects independent of antihypertensive effects.

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of carvedilol on multiple organ damage induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of carvedilol on the heart, liver, and kidney in rats infused with Ang II. MATERIAL/METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups: control (no treatment), continuously infused with Ang II (150 etag/min for 72 hr), and treated with Ang II + carvedilol (90 mg/kg/d). Histological sections of the myocardium, kidney, and liver were analyzed for the presence of necrosis. RESULTS: Ang II induced arterial hypertension which was not affected by carvedilol treatment (tail-cuff blood pressures, control: 125+/-13.6, Ang II: 163+/-27.3, Ang II + CV: 178+/-39.8 mmHg, p<0.05). Also, there were perivascular inflammation and necrosis in the myocardium, kidney, and hepatocytes necrosis around the terminal vein. Carvedilol treatment fully prevented damage to the heart and kidney and attenuated liver lesions induced by the Ang II infusion. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of carvedilol on perivascular damage induced by Ang II infusion depended on the target organ. The prevention of heart damage occurred independently of the antihypertensive effects of carvedilol.

Prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances in dogs and cats in Botucatu, Brazil (2003-2007) / Prevalência das arritmas cardíacas e distúrbios de condução em cães e gatos em Botucatu, Brasil (2003-2007)

Cardiac arrhythmias are important electrocardiographic disorders in small animal medicine since some of them can cause serious situations, such as cardiac arrest and death. It's essential to recognize ECG abnormalities and the frequency they occur to improve the therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in dogs from January 2003 to April 2007 by retrospective analysis of ECGs obtained at the Veterinary Hospital at UNESP – Botucatu – SP. The most common rhythm disturbances in this population were sinus tachycardia and ventricular premature complexes in dogs and sinoventricular rhythm in cats.

As arritmias cardíacas são anormalidades eletrocardiográficas de importância na clínica de pequenos animais, visto que algumas delas podem ocasionar situações graves, podendo desencadear parada cardíaca e morte. Para uma melhor conduta terapêutica, torna-se indispensável o reconhecimento dessas alterações e da frequência com que elas ocorrem. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência das arritmias cardíacas em cães e gatos no período de janeiro de 2003 a abril de 2007, por meio da avaliação retrospectiva dos exames eletrocardiográficos registrados neste período no Hospital Veterinário da UNESP – Botucatu - SP. Na população estudada, os distúrbios de ritmo mais comuns foram a taquicardia sinusal e complexos ventriculares prematuros em cães e ritmo sinoventricular em gatos.

O papel da ciclooxigenase-2 e da pressão arterial na lesão renal de ratos submetidos à infusão contínua de angiotensina II / The role of cyclooxigenase-2 and blood pressure on the kidney damage in rats submitted to continuous infusion of angiotensin II

A angiotensina II (ANGII) é um vasoconstritor, entretanto, sua atuação na inflamação tem sido estudada. Objetivou-se verificar o estímulo da ciclooxigenase-2 e da pressão arterial na lesão renal por ANGII. Para tanto, utilizaram-se ratos Wistar, distribuídos no grupo 1: controle, grupo 2: ANGII, grupo 3: ANGII + celecoxibe, grupo 4: celecoxibe. A ANGII foi administrada via minibomba no subcutâneo dos animais durante 72 horas, sendo então realizada a eutanásia. A pressão arterial foi aferida antes da administração dos fármacos e antes da eutanásia. Colheram-se os rins dos animais para histopatologia e para imunoistoquímica, avaliando-se a expressão de COX-2. Concluiu-se que a ANGII promoveu lesões renais, independentemente dos valores da pressão arterial; ANGII associada ao celecoxibe levou ao aumento da pressão arterial. O celecoxibe não protegeu os rins contra as ações da angiotensina II.(AU)

Angiotensin II (ANGII) is a vasoconstrictor which action on inflammation has been studied. The objective of this study was to verify the stimulation of cyclooxigenase-2 and blood pressure on renal damage by ANGII. Wistar rats were distributed into four groups, as follows: group 1 control; group 2 ANGII; group 3 ANGII + celecoxib; and group 4 celecoxib. The ANGII was infused in the animals by subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps during 72 hours. After that, euthanasia was performed. The blood pressure was measured before the drugs administration and before the euthanasia. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed in kidneys to assess the expression of COX-2. It was concluded that ANGII caused renal damage, regardless of blood pressure values. ANGII associated with celeboxib increased blood pressure. Celecoxib did not protect the kidneys against ANGII activities.(AU)