Sonopath Forum

Episode of tachycardia and dyspnea in a 6 year old Great Dane

6 year old FS Great Dane presented a few days ago to the primary vet for trouble breathing. She has also been losing weight.
PE revealed a HR of 180bpm. Bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes
The X-ray machine at this clinic is broken. The primary vet placed the dog on lasix and the owner noted improvement the next day.
Abdominal US done today is wnl except for retained stomach ingesta in a patient that was presumably fasted.

6 year old FS Great Dane presented a few days ago to the primary vet for trouble breathing. She has also been losing weight.
PE revealed a HR of 180bpm. Bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes
The X-ray machine at this clinic is broken. The primary vet placed the dog on lasix and the owner noted improvement the next day.
Abdominal US done today is wnl except for retained stomach ingesta in a patient that was presumably fasted.
Echo measurements are as follows: IVSd=12.1, LVIDd=58.5, LPWd=14.2, IVSs=19.4, LVIDs=43.9, LPWs=18.9, ejection fraction=48%, FS=25%, LA=36, Ao=25.2, and LA/Ao=1.4. The dog wieghs 45kg. HR was 100bpm at time of scan.
So, she has borderline increased LA and borderline increased LVIDd and perhaps decreased FS but probably normal for a Great Dane.
There are no visible cardiac masses, no pericardial or pleural effusions. No valvular insufficiencies seen.
Clearly, this dog is not in heart failure at this time. Just wondering if perhaps she has early DCM with an intermittent arrhythmia. Without radiographs or an EKG, I have no other explanation for her acute episode of dyspnea and tachycardia.
I am recommending chest rads and Holter monitor (or EKG if and when the tachycardia recurs).
These owners are likely out of funds. Any suggestions for treatment based upon current cardiac measurements and heart rate?

Comments

July 27, 2017 at 2:47 am -

Volumes and contractility

Volumes and contractility look good to me and no evidence of dcm or reason to tx the heart based on these videos. The fs% eyeballed is in the 35% range and the la size is normal with linear and not deviated atrial septum.

During arrythmias the fs% will drop a bunch and look dcm-ish but the criteria isnt completely there. Same with myocarditis. I would holter this dog. info@sonopath.com or 1-800-838-4268
if you need a holter with our cardiologists’ evaluation.

Maybe wait til you can get a chest rad to see if something there that explains everything

Electrocute

July 27, 2017 at 12:13 pm -

Thanks Eric! I will forward

Thanks Eric! I will forward on your Holter info.