Case Study

15_00071 St. Oliver S DVD, moderate MI, mild TI

A 7-year-old MN Dachshund was presented for evaluation of a heart murmur. Survey radiographs showed an enlarged cardiac silhouette (VHS 12.5).

A 7-year-old MN Dachshund was presented for evaluation of a heart murmur. Survey radiographs showed an enlarged cardiac silhouette (VHS 12.5).

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

DVD causing moderate MI and mild TI. The ventricle is still normal, the left atrium is mildly enlarged.

Image Interpretation

Normal left ventricle (no sign of volume or pressure overload), a mildly enlarged left atrium. The mitral valve is moderately thickened (degenerated), but there is only a very slight prolapse noted. The tricuspid valve is also mildly degenerated. CDI reveals moderate mitral insufficiency, mild tricuspid insufficiency and very mild pulmonary insufficiency (the latter is considered normal in dogs).

DX

DVD causing moderate MI and mild TI.

Outcome

It is very unlikely that the dog shows clinical symptoms related to the heart. This is supported by the fact that there seems to be respiratory sinus arrhythmia present, based on the video clips. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia usually excludes clinically significant heart disease. Recheck the dog after 3 months and look for further LA enlargement and/or volume overload of the LV. No therapy at the moment.