Radiography
Generalized cardiomegaly is usually evident, although left-heart enlargement may predominate. Cardiomegaly may be severe enough to mimic the globoid cardiac silhouette typical of large pericardial effusions. In contrast, Doberman Pinschers and some Boxers appear to have mainly left atrial enlargement without marked cardiomegaly. The stage of disease, chest conformation, and hydration status influence these radiographic [...]
It is typical to see dilatation of all cardiac chambers in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), although left atrial and ventricular enlargement may predominate. The ventricular wall thickness appears decreased compared with the lumen size. Papillary muscles often look flattened and atrophic; endocardial thickening may be noted. The atrioventricular (AV) valves generally have only mild [...]
New York Heart Association Functional Classification
I: Heart disease present but no eveidence of heart failure or exercise intolerance; cardiomegaly minimal to absent
II: Signs of heart disease with evidence of exercise intolerance; radiographic cardiomegaly present
III: Signs of heart failure with normal activity or at night (e.g. cough, orthopnea); radiographic signs of significant cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema [...]
Continue reading about Basic principles of treatment for heart failure
The causes of heart failure are quite diverse, and it is useful to think of them in terms of general pathophysiologic groups. These groups are myocardial failure, pressure overload, volume overload, and reduced ventricular compliance (impaired filling).
The major underlying abnormality for most cases of heart failure falls into one of these pathophysiologic groups, although other [...]
Continue reading about General causes of heart failure in animals
Clinical heart failure occurs when the heart is either unable to adequately deliver blood for the body’s metabolic demands or when it can do so only with elevated filling pressures. Heart failure is not a specific diagnosis, but a syndrome caused by one or more underlying processes.
Poor myocardial contractility (systolic disfunction), as a primary cause, [...]
Continue reading about Pathophysiology of heart failure in animals