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

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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

EL
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.

 

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