– 3 yr, 10 month old, male, Cane Corso presented for weight loss and tachycardia

– chest rads  taken 3 days ago showed a large, globoid heart and lungs fairly normal; ascites suspected

– echo shows LV and RV dilation, severe LAE

– poor systolic function with increased LVIDs; FS 14-18%

– surprisingly EPSS only 0.88

– moderate TR and moderate- severe MR; aortic and pulmonic max velocities wnl

– there is pleural effusion and ascites confirmed with dilated CVC and hepatic veins

– TR max vel around 4m/s

– 3 yr, 10 month old, male, Cane Corso presented for weight loss and tachycardia

– chest rads  taken 3 days ago showed a large, globoid heart and lungs fairly normal; ascites suspected

– echo shows LV and RV dilation, severe LAE

– poor systolic function with increased LVIDs; FS 14-18%

– surprisingly EPSS only 0.88

– moderate TR and moderate- severe MR; aortic and pulmonic max velocities wnl

– there is pleural effusion and ascites confirmed with dilated CVC and hepatic veins

– TR max vel around 4m/s

So looks like right-side CHF with being on the verge of left-sided failure, systolic failure and pulmonary hypertension. I have recommended full bloodwork with T4, BP and ECG. Also pimo, furosemide+/- spironolactone and aceI added in once feeling better. Anti-arrhythmogenics may also be warrnated pending ECG. Questions:

1. If this is DCM why is the EPSS only 0.88? I took several measurments and this was the lowest number

2.When to treat the pulmonary hypertension?

3. Are Cane Corso’s a predisposed DCM breed?