10 yr FS Schnoodle with hx of syncopal episodes, vomiting and lethargy.  Radiographs showed an enlarged heart, normal vasculature and lungs.  Echo showed a markedly dilated left ventricle and moderate left atrial enlargement (minimal right heart enlargement).  There was also a relatively small amount of pericardial effusion, but enough that I did appreciate some tamponade at the heart base.  Seems strange given the breed.  Prior to the echo, the dog was placed on pimobendan – owner did not think it had made much of a difference, but LVIDs and FS were both normal.

10 yr FS Schnoodle with hx of syncopal episodes, vomiting and lethargy.  Radiographs showed an enlarged heart, normal vasculature and lungs.  Echo showed a markedly dilated left ventricle and moderate left atrial enlargement (minimal right heart enlargement).  There was also a relatively small amount of pericardial effusion, but enough that I did appreciate some tamponade at the heart base.  Seems strange given the breed.  Prior to the echo, the dog was placed on pimobendan – owner did not think it had made much of a difference, but LVIDs and FS were both normal.  Wondering how often you see pericardial effusion with a case like this and the potential for it vs. the DCM to be causing the syncope.  I have recommended full blood work including coags + UA and then pericardiocentesis (dog is stable right now), but owner has declined.  I am concerned about the pimobendan if the effusion worsens.

I can upload some pics on Friday, but did not retrieve them today.