Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound in dogs
By Paradies, P et al.·Published in Veterinary research communications·2014·Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantations, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Doppler echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension in dogs: a retrospective clinical investigation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with pulmonary hypertension (PH) showed symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. The study found that the severity of PH could be assessed using Doppler echocardiography, which measures blood flow in the heart and lungs. Most of the affected dogs had underlying heart disease, specifically left-sided valvular heart disease. While the Tei Index was helpful in indicating the severity of PH, the clinical signs did not always match the severity of the condition. Treatment options were not detailed, but managing the underlying heart disease is crucial for these dogs.
People also search for: dog coughing and breathing problems · pulmonary hypertension in dogs treatment · dog heart disease symptoms
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) decreases resistance to fatigue and life expectancy. The aim of this study was to correlate some indirect Doppler indices of PH with tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation criteria and to relate PH on different indices with the severity of clinical signs. Furthermore the pathogenetic mechanisms associated to PH development were discussed. Dogs with Doppler echocardiographic evidence of PH diagnosed by assessment of pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity were selected, their clinical records were reviewed and a clinical score was computed. Seventeen cases of PH were identified. The degree of PH was assessed based on systolic or diastolic pulmonary pressure and the indirect Doppler indices (AT/ET and Tei Index) were calculated; data were statistically evaluated. Indirect Doppler indices were calculated also in a control group of seven healthy dogs. The most common clinical signs were coughing, dyspnea and syncope; the most common condition associated to PH development was the left-sided valvular heart disease. A significant positive correlation was found between Tei Index and both the systolic pressure and the severity of PH while no correlations were found between PH on different indices and clinical score and/or severity of clinical signs. Results of this study suggest that Tei-index could be an useful support not only to reveal PH but also to give information on the severity of PH. The clinical picture in dogs with PH is apparently unpredictable and not strictly correlated with the severity of PH.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24414341/