A 7-year-old male intact Doberman Pinscher weighing 43 kg (95 lb) is presented for sudden onset of dyspnea. Previous history is unremarkable. Physical examination reveals weak femoral pulses and a systolic heart murmur, grade 3/6, loudest over the left apex. Systolic BP is 70 mmHg. Serum biochemical tests show mildly elevated BUN (8.3 mmol/l [23.2 mg/dl]; normal 3.5–7.0 mmol/l [9.8–19.6 mg/dl]) and creatinine (135 μmol/l [1.5 mg/dl]; normal 0–130 μmol/l [0-1.47 mg/dl]). Urine SG is 1.050. Thoracic radiographs show cardiomegaly (VHS 13 v; normal <10.7 v), pulmonary venous congestion, and severe pulmonary edema. An ECG shows sinus rhythm with a HR of 160 bpm and frequent polymorphic ventricular premature complexes. Echocardiography is carried out (95a, b). 1 – LV, 2 – LA.
i. What echocardiographic abnormalities are seen in this dog?
ii. What is your overall assessment of this case?
iii. What additional biochemical tests could be useful in assessing this case?
iv. Outline your initial management plan for this dog.
