Case Study

Mitral insufficiency in an 11 year old FS Dachshund

An 11-year-old FS Dachshund was presented for evaluation of mitral insufficiency.

An 11-year-old FS Dachshund was presented for evaluation of mitral insufficiency.

DX

Mitral insufficiency

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

This echocardiogram is consistent with stage B1 valvular disease.

Image Interpretation

The left atrium presented severe, chronic dilation with flaccid contour. The LA:AO ratio was normal. The cranial and caudal mitral valve leaflets demonstrated mildly vegetative contour however extension and closure were adequate at this time. The left ventricle demonstrated prominent volume, normal septal and free wall diastolic thicknesses, and papillary integrity. Mitral insufficiency velocity was 5.0 m/sec.

Outcome

ECG would be recommended. Triple therapy with Lasix at 1-2 mg/kg b.i.d., ace inhibitor at 0.5 mg/kg b.i.d. and Pimobendan at 0.25 mg/kg b.i.d. with a recheck in 3-6 months would be indicated.

Comments

Compared to the previous sonogram, the left ventricle remains prominent even though the left atrium has diminished somewhat in size. Contractility has dropped as has mitral insufficiency velocity.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Endocardiosis (compensated mitral valve insufficiency/decompensated mitral valve insufficiency), myocardial weakness/failure, chordae tendineae rupture, vegetative endocarditis.