Loading...
Theses
Browse
1 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN DOGS AND ITS THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2021-09) PATOWARY, PRERONA; Phukan, A.The present study entitled “Congestive heart failure in dogs & its therapeutic management” was undertaken w.e.f. 1st November 2020 to 30th June 2021 with the objectives to study the prevalence, hemato-biochemical alterations & efficacy of different therapeutic regimens of congestive heart failure in dogs. The study revealed overall prevalence of 0.20% with highest prevalence in Labrador retriever breed (0.53%) with male predominance (0.22%) and in the age group of >10 years of age (0.50%). The observed clinical signs included exercise intolerance, dyspnoea, coughing, ascites, syncope, inappetance and weakness. Tachycardia crackles and murmurs were the common clinical findings in the CHF affected dogs. ECG findings in CHF affected dogs included sinus tachycardia (37.50%), sinus bradycardia (8.33%), sinus arrhythmia (25%), sick sinus syndrome (8.33%), 1st degree heart block (8.33), atrial fibrillation (12.50), atrial flutter (4.17%) and low voltage QRS complex (12.50%). Radiographic findings of CHF included cardiomegaly (87.50%), upward deviation of trachea (33.33%), pleural effusion (70.83%) & pericardial effusion (25.00%) with significantly elevated VHS. Ultrasonography of abdomen showed presence of ascites (66.67%), hepatic congestion (75.00%), hepatomegaly (62.50%), renal degeneration (41.67%), spleenomegaly (12.50%) and cystitis (8.33%). Echocardiographic findings in CHF were DCM (75.00%), Cardiomegaly (83.33%), mitral valve regurgitation (91.67%), tricuspid valve regurgitation (41.67%), and pericardial effusion (25.00%). The LVIDd, LVIDs, EPSS, LA/AO dimensions were increased with a decrease in IVSd, IVSs, LVPWd, LVPWs and contractility indices (EF and FS) in affected dogs. There was a significant mosaic pattern appearance on color flow doppler found in mitral & tricuspid valve regurgitation. Hematological assessment showed no significant changes. Serum biochemical assessment showed significant increase in the level of SGOT, SGPT, BUN, serum creatinine and LDH. Moreover significant decrease in the level of total serum protein and albumin was recorded. All the CHF affected dogs were divided into three groups, viz: group A, B and C each having 8 numbers of dogs. Dogs in group A treated with furosemide + spiranolactone, pimobendane and ramipril orally daily. Dogs in group B treated with hydrochlorothiazide + spiranolactone, pimobendane and ramipril orally daily. Dogs in group C treated with torsemide + spiranolactone, pimobendane and ramipril orally daily. All the dogs under treatment for 42 days were monitored and the efficacy was assessed at fortnight intervals based on improvement of clinical signs, hemtobiochemical alterations, ECG, thoracic radiography, USG of abdomen and echocardiography features. There was a significant improvement in the serum biochemical parameters of CHF dogs during therapy. Radiographically, no appreciable reduction in heart size was observed in any of the CHF dogs after 42days of therapy except substantial reduction in the pleural & pericardial effusion. There was improvement & disappearance of cardiac arrhythmia in ECG. A significant difference in left ventricular dimensions (LVIDd, LVIDs,IVSd, IVSs, LVPWd, LVPWs and EPSS) and contractility indices ( EF and FS) were noticed in affected dogs by the end of the trial. Based on resolution of clinical signs, improvement in hemato-biochemical alterations and echocardiographic features it was found that a combination of torsemide + spiranolactone, pimobendane and ramipril was found superior to other two combinations as indicated by faster disappearance signs and early recovery with no adverse drug reaction both during and after therapy. Hence this therapeutic regimen is indicated in dogs with congestive heart failure.
