Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 1997
A survival analysis was performed using the case records of 189 dogs, including 38 breeds, with c... more A survival analysis was performed using the case records of 189 dogs, including 38 breeds, with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Overall prognosis was poor, with survival rates of 17.5% at one year and 7.5% at two years. Prognosis in the individual case of DCM proved to be difficult to predict at the time of initial examination. Only three of 27 tested independent predictors of survival were identified. The most significant predictive variables were age at onset of clinical signs, followed by dyspnea and ascites (as noted on the physical examination).
To investigate whether expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) messenger RNA (mRNA) is change... more To investigate whether expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) messenger RNA (mRNA) is changed in the myocardium of dogs with heart failure. 21 dogs. Concentrations of TR alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 mRNA in the myocardium were determined for clinically normal dogs (n = 7) and dogs with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM; 7) or chronic valvular disease (CVD; 7). Concentrations were quantified by use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. The ratio of expression of TR alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 mRNA was typically 100:10:1. Differences in concentration of TR alpha 2 mRNA among the 3 groups of dogs were not detected, but concentrations of TR beta 1 and beta 2 mRNA were greater in diseased myocardium. Thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 mRNA was upregulated approximately threefold, and TR beta 2 mRNA was upregulated approximately eightfold in myocardium of dogs with DCM and CVD, compared with clinically normal dogs. There was no difference in TR b...
A case of the rare heart disease Wolf-Parkinson-White-syndrome in the dog is described. ECG-findi... more A case of the rare heart disease Wolf-Parkinson-White-syndrome in the dog is described. ECG-findings typical of the syndrome are shortened P-R interval, widened QRS-complex with an initial delta-wave, and supraventricular tachycardia. Pre- (Fig. 1) and post-treatment (Fig. 2) ECG's are analyzed. Different kinds of treatment are discussed.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by chamber dilatation and myocardial systolic and dia... more Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by chamber dilatation and myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction, is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs. The clinical diagnosis is based on findings on echocardiographic and Doppler examinations, with the active exclusion of other acquired or congenital heart diseases. However, the echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of DCM are not wholly specific for the disease, and histologic examination may be necessary for final diagnosis. Review of reports on histologic findings in dogs with clinically diagnosed DCM reveals two histologically distinct forms of DCM: 1) cardiomyopathy of Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, corresponding to the “fatty infiltration-degenerative” type and 2) the form seen in many giant, large-, and medium-sized breeds, including some Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, classified as the “attenuated wavy fiber” type of DCM. The histologic changes of the attenuated wavy fiber type of DCM may precede clinica...
To investigate how different sampling techniques affect detection of DNA from feline herpes virus... more To investigate how different sampling techniques affect detection of DNA from feline herpes virus Type 1 (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma felis and to study the correlation between positive test results and clinical signs in cats. Fifty-one cats; 24 with ocular signs and 27 healthy control cats. Samples were collected from all cats using cotton swabs, conjunctival and corneal biopsies, and corneal scrapings. Samples were analyzed for presence of FHV-1, C. felis, M. felis, and feline DNA, defined by 28S rDNA, by using real-time PCR. In affected cats, FHV-1 was detected in only one cat; C. felis and M. felis were not detected in any affected cats. None of the three organisms was detected in any control cats. Feline DNA was demonstrated in all conjunctival samples, in 82% of corneal swabs, 92% of corneal scrapings, and 100% of keratectomy samples. Because of the generally low detection rate for FHV-1, C. felis, and M. felis DNA in this study, differences regarding sampling technique could not be determined and correlation between positive test results and degree of clinical signs could not be made. Detection of feline DNA in most samples irrespective of sampling technique, suggests a low prevalence of FHV-1, C. felis and M. felis in this population of cats.
Although challenging, predicting outcomes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is ... more Although challenging, predicting outcomes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is of importance to owners and veterinarians. Our aim was to compare the prognostic value of selected one-, two-, and three-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic methods to predict cardiac-related and all-cause mortality in MMVD dogs. We hypothesize that three-dimensional methods would better predict prognosis than one- and two-dimensional methods. One-hundred thirty-eight privately-owned dogs with MMVD. Cox proportional Hazard analyses and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to investigate the predictive value of 14 variables; left atrial (LA) volume indexed to body weight (BW) measured by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and calculated using Simpson's modified method of discs (SMOD) and the area-length method; LA diameter in short-axis and long-axis to aortic in short-axis ratio, effective regurgitant orifice area indexed to body surface area measured in RT3DE en face view and calculated using four-chamber (4Ch) and two-chamber views alone or in combination; percentage increase in left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic internal diameters; fractional shortening; E wave velocity; regurgitant jet area/LA area. All 14 variables were significantly predictive of cardiac-related mortality, and 11 were predictive of all-cause mortality. The prognosis was best predicted by LA volume/BW estimated by SMOD or RT3DE, consistently showing the highest predictive value in all analyses. Left atrial volume calculated by SMOD showed a similar predictive value compared to RT3DE. Performing SMOD from apical 4Ch images should be considered an alternative to RT3DE for echocardiographic examinations where prognostication of disease outcome is sought.
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is based on tracking of natural acoustic myocardial marke... more Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is based on tracking of natural acoustic myocardial markers. The study aimed at quantifying global and regional endomyocardial and epimyocardial left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential and radial peak systolic strain and strain rate, including feasibility and variability; and assessing synchronicity and torsion, in healthy dogs. Cineloops were acquired from left apical 4-chamber, basal and apical right parasternal short-axis views in 22 healthy Labrador retrievers. A general epimyocardial to endomyocardial strain gradient was found. Strain was higher at apex compared to base. A strain longitudinal base to apex gradient was found. Left ventricular synchronicity could be assessed in all dogs and torsion in 1/3. Short axis apical view had highest variability. Dog and operator contributed most to overall variance. In conclusion, STE allows assessment of myocardial function in healthy Labrador retrievers. A longitudinal base to apex gradient was found and a new synchronicity index for use in dogs was introduced.
Two-dimensional (2D) and real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography can be used to asses... more Two-dimensional (2D) and real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography can be used to assess left atrial (LA) size, but their correlation in dogs remains unknown. Estimations of LA size differ depending on the echocardiographic technique. Privately owned dogs; 70 with myxomatous mitral valve disease and 32 healthy control dogs. Prospective observational study comparing RT3D volume at atrial end-diastole (RT3DLAd) with 4 different 2D methods of estimating LA size: LA diameter and area in short-axis (LA(sax) and LA(area)) and LA diameter in long-axis (LA(lax)), both as indexed variables and as predictors of LA volume indexed to body weight (BW) using allometric scaling and geometric assumption of sphericity. Furthermore, agreement between indexed 2D based methods was studied using concordance correlation coefficient (ρ(c)) and Bland-Altman plots. None of the indexed 2D methods of estimating LA size showed good correlation with BW-indexed RT3DLAd volumes. Estimates of LA volumes from 2D measurements using allometric scaling showed better correlation with RT3D volumes than corresponding calculated volume approximations. The best correlation was found between RT3DLAd and estimated LA volumes based on allometric scaling of LA(lax) (ρ(c) = 0.89) followed by LA(area) (ρ(c) = 0.86) measurements. Comparing indexed 2D-based measurements of LA size, best agreement was found between LA(sax) to aortic diameter and LA(sax) to expected LA diameter, based on allometric scaling. Allometric scaling of 2D-based measurements of LA showed good correlation with RT3DLAd, whereas corresponding indexed measurements or calculated volume approximations did not.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 1997
A survival analysis was performed using the case records of 189 dogs, including 38 breeds, with c... more A survival analysis was performed using the case records of 189 dogs, including 38 breeds, with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Overall prognosis was poor, with survival rates of 17.5% at one year and 7.5% at two years. Prognosis in the individual case of DCM proved to be difficult to predict at the time of initial examination. Only three of 27 tested independent predictors of survival were identified. The most significant predictive variables were age at onset of clinical signs, followed by dyspnea and ascites (as noted on the physical examination).
To investigate whether expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) messenger RNA (mRNA) is change... more To investigate whether expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) messenger RNA (mRNA) is changed in the myocardium of dogs with heart failure. 21 dogs. Concentrations of TR alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 mRNA in the myocardium were determined for clinically normal dogs (n = 7) and dogs with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM; 7) or chronic valvular disease (CVD; 7). Concentrations were quantified by use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. The ratio of expression of TR alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 mRNA was typically 100:10:1. Differences in concentration of TR alpha 2 mRNA among the 3 groups of dogs were not detected, but concentrations of TR beta 1 and beta 2 mRNA were greater in diseased myocardium. Thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 mRNA was upregulated approximately threefold, and TR beta 2 mRNA was upregulated approximately eightfold in myocardium of dogs with DCM and CVD, compared with clinically normal dogs. There was no difference in TR b...
A case of the rare heart disease Wolf-Parkinson-White-syndrome in the dog is described. ECG-findi... more A case of the rare heart disease Wolf-Parkinson-White-syndrome in the dog is described. ECG-findings typical of the syndrome are shortened P-R interval, widened QRS-complex with an initial delta-wave, and supraventricular tachycardia. Pre- (Fig. 1) and post-treatment (Fig. 2) ECG's are analyzed. Different kinds of treatment are discussed.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by chamber dilatation and myocardial systolic and dia... more Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by chamber dilatation and myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction, is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs. The clinical diagnosis is based on findings on echocardiographic and Doppler examinations, with the active exclusion of other acquired or congenital heart diseases. However, the echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of DCM are not wholly specific for the disease, and histologic examination may be necessary for final diagnosis. Review of reports on histologic findings in dogs with clinically diagnosed DCM reveals two histologically distinct forms of DCM: 1) cardiomyopathy of Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, corresponding to the “fatty infiltration-degenerative” type and 2) the form seen in many giant, large-, and medium-sized breeds, including some Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, classified as the “attenuated wavy fiber” type of DCM. The histologic changes of the attenuated wavy fiber type of DCM may precede clinica...
To investigate how different sampling techniques affect detection of DNA from feline herpes virus... more To investigate how different sampling techniques affect detection of DNA from feline herpes virus Type 1 (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma felis and to study the correlation between positive test results and clinical signs in cats. Fifty-one cats; 24 with ocular signs and 27 healthy control cats. Samples were collected from all cats using cotton swabs, conjunctival and corneal biopsies, and corneal scrapings. Samples were analyzed for presence of FHV-1, C. felis, M. felis, and feline DNA, defined by 28S rDNA, by using real-time PCR. In affected cats, FHV-1 was detected in only one cat; C. felis and M. felis were not detected in any affected cats. None of the three organisms was detected in any control cats. Feline DNA was demonstrated in all conjunctival samples, in 82% of corneal swabs, 92% of corneal scrapings, and 100% of keratectomy samples. Because of the generally low detection rate for FHV-1, C. felis, and M. felis DNA in this study, differences regarding sampling technique could not be determined and correlation between positive test results and degree of clinical signs could not be made. Detection of feline DNA in most samples irrespective of sampling technique, suggests a low prevalence of FHV-1, C. felis and M. felis in this population of cats.
Although challenging, predicting outcomes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is ... more Although challenging, predicting outcomes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is of importance to owners and veterinarians. Our aim was to compare the prognostic value of selected one-, two-, and three-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic methods to predict cardiac-related and all-cause mortality in MMVD dogs. We hypothesize that three-dimensional methods would better predict prognosis than one- and two-dimensional methods. One-hundred thirty-eight privately-owned dogs with MMVD. Cox proportional Hazard analyses and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to investigate the predictive value of 14 variables; left atrial (LA) volume indexed to body weight (BW) measured by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and calculated using Simpson's modified method of discs (SMOD) and the area-length method; LA diameter in short-axis and long-axis to aortic in short-axis ratio, effective regurgitant orifice area indexed to body surface area measured in RT3DE en face view and calculated using four-chamber (4Ch) and two-chamber views alone or in combination; percentage increase in left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic internal diameters; fractional shortening; E wave velocity; regurgitant jet area/LA area. All 14 variables were significantly predictive of cardiac-related mortality, and 11 were predictive of all-cause mortality. The prognosis was best predicted by LA volume/BW estimated by SMOD or RT3DE, consistently showing the highest predictive value in all analyses. Left atrial volume calculated by SMOD showed a similar predictive value compared to RT3DE. Performing SMOD from apical 4Ch images should be considered an alternative to RT3DE for echocardiographic examinations where prognostication of disease outcome is sought.
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is based on tracking of natural acoustic myocardial marke... more Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is based on tracking of natural acoustic myocardial markers. The study aimed at quantifying global and regional endomyocardial and epimyocardial left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential and radial peak systolic strain and strain rate, including feasibility and variability; and assessing synchronicity and torsion, in healthy dogs. Cineloops were acquired from left apical 4-chamber, basal and apical right parasternal short-axis views in 22 healthy Labrador retrievers. A general epimyocardial to endomyocardial strain gradient was found. Strain was higher at apex compared to base. A strain longitudinal base to apex gradient was found. Left ventricular synchronicity could be assessed in all dogs and torsion in 1/3. Short axis apical view had highest variability. Dog and operator contributed most to overall variance. In conclusion, STE allows assessment of myocardial function in healthy Labrador retrievers. A longitudinal base to apex gradient was found and a new synchronicity index for use in dogs was introduced.
Two-dimensional (2D) and real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography can be used to asses... more Two-dimensional (2D) and real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography can be used to assess left atrial (LA) size, but their correlation in dogs remains unknown. Estimations of LA size differ depending on the echocardiographic technique. Privately owned dogs; 70 with myxomatous mitral valve disease and 32 healthy control dogs. Prospective observational study comparing RT3D volume at atrial end-diastole (RT3DLAd) with 4 different 2D methods of estimating LA size: LA diameter and area in short-axis (LA(sax) and LA(area)) and LA diameter in long-axis (LA(lax)), both as indexed variables and as predictors of LA volume indexed to body weight (BW) using allometric scaling and geometric assumption of sphericity. Furthermore, agreement between indexed 2D based methods was studied using concordance correlation coefficient (ρ(c)) and Bland-Altman plots. None of the indexed 2D methods of estimating LA size showed good correlation with BW-indexed RT3DLAd volumes. Estimates of LA volumes from 2D measurements using allometric scaling showed better correlation with RT3D volumes than corresponding calculated volume approximations. The best correlation was found between RT3DLAd and estimated LA volumes based on allometric scaling of LA(lax) (ρ(c) = 0.89) followed by LA(area) (ρ(c) = 0.86) measurements. Comparing indexed 2D-based measurements of LA size, best agreement was found between LA(sax) to aortic diameter and LA(sax) to expected LA diameter, based on allometric scaling. Allometric scaling of 2D-based measurements of LA showed good correlation with RT3DLAd, whereas corresponding indexed measurements or calculated volume approximations did not.
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