ELECTROCARDIOGRAM ABNORMALITIES IN CARDIAC DISORDERS OF DOGS
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Date
2001
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COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur
Abstract
In the present study, standard electrocardiogram patterns were worked
out from sixty normal dogs. These dogs were grouped according to age groups
like dogs below one year and above one year and different breeds like German
Shepherd, Dobermann pmscher. Dachshund, Spitz and Mongrel.
Based on the clinical signs and electrocardiogram abnormalities, thirteen
dogs were grouped into (1) dogs with congestive heart failure, (2) dogs withventricular
enlargement secondary to anaemia and (3) dogs with electolyte
imbalance due to renal disease.
Congestive heart failure was found to be more m geriatric small breeds
like Dachshund and Spitz.
Theclinical signs observed in dogs with CHF were anorexia, cough,
exertional dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, orthopnoea, crackles, murmurs,
syncope, cachexia and ascites.
Clinical signs exhibited by the dogs with ventricular enlargement
secondary to anaemia were anorexia, pale visible mucous membranes,
weakness and respiratory distress.
Dogs with electrolyte imbalance due to renal disease exhibited anorexia,
vomiting, diarrhoea, malena, polydipsia, oliguria and anuria.The electrocardiographic signs exhibited by dogs with congestive heart
failure were consistent with left atrial enlargement, left and right ventricular
enlargement, ventricular tachycardia and right bundle branch block. Dogs m
group II had right and left ventricular enlargement as major electrocardiogram
abnormality. Dogs in group III with renal disease exhibited tall and peaked T
wave and prolonged 'Q-T- interval m electrocardiogram specifically on the
chest leads.
The prominent radiographic signs observed in dogs with CHF in the
present study were left atrial enlargement, left and right ventricular enlargement
and tracheal elevation. Dogs in group II showed left ventricular enlargement,
pericardial effusion and tracheal elevation. Group III animals had noradiographic signs of cardiac enlargement.
Ultrasonographic evidence of cardiac involvement were present m three
dogs, two with CHF and one with ventricular enlargement secondary to
anaemia. The findings of postmortem examination of the heart m one dog with
CHF were suggestive of mitral valvular insufficiency.
Haematology showed no variations m dogs with CHF. Group II and III
animals exhibited anaemia evidenced by haematological changes like low TEC,
Hb and PCV. Group III animals had neutrophilia with lymphopenia. Group III
also had microcytic anaemia.Serum values of CK and ALT were normal in all the three groups. Dogs
with CHF showed elevated sodium level while group III with renal disease
showed elevated potassium level. Group 11 animals had hypoprotemaemia and
hypoalbuminaemia. Group HI animals revealed severe hypoalbuminaemia, low
albumin: globulin ratio and elevated serum creatinine
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