Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Older Siberian Husky dog with spine and heart changes from connective
By Bilgiç, Bengü et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·Department of Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Skeletal and cardiovascular alterations compatible with a connective tissue disorder in an elderly dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 15-year-old female Siberian Husky was brought in because she was having trouble using her back legs, wasn't eating well, and was losing weight. The vet found a serious heart murmur and noticed some unusual shapes in her chest and spine on X-rays, suggesting possible connective tissue issues. An ultrasound of her heart showed problems with the aorta, which could explain her symptoms. While the exact cause wasn't confirmed, the findings indicate she may have a connective tissue disorder. The case emphasizes the need for more research into these types of conditions in dogs.
People also search for: elderly dog hindlimb weakness · Siberian Husky heart murmur · dog connective tissue disorder symptoms
Abstract
A 15-year-old intact female Siberian Husky was referred for hindlimb paresis, anorexia, and cachexia. Cardiac auscultation revealed a grade 5/6 systolic murmur, with maximum intensity over the right hemithorax. Right lateral thoracic radiography revealed an undulating thoracic aorta with a normal vertebral heart scale. The patient had a left-sided scoliosis deformity at the lower thoracic and upper lumbar levels. In addition, sternum deformity revealed pectus excavatum, with no history of trauma in the anamnesis. Echocardiographic examination revealed aortic regurgitation (5.29 m/sn) and dilation of the aortic root and proximal ascending aorta in the parasternal long-axis view. The left ventricle was mildly enlarged, and the left atrial diameter was within reference ranges. This case describes an uncommon combination of skeletal and cardiovascular abnormalities in an elderly dog, raising the suspicion of a connective tissue disorder. However, in the absence of molecular or histopathological confirmation, the diagnosis remains presumptive. The case highlights the need for further genetic investigations and the establishment of specific diagnostic criteria for connective tissue fragility syndromes in veterinary medicine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41394904/