Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Right heart thickening linked to lung amyloidosis in a dog
By Faunt, K K et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1998·Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Isolated right-ventricular hypertrophy associated with severe pulmonary vascular apolipoprotein A1-derived amyloidosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old dachshund was brought in for breathing problems, coughing, and weight loss. The vet found signs of severe respiratory distress, including bluish skin, rapid breathing, and abnormal lung sounds. Tests showed an enlarged heart and possible lung cancer, but unfortunately, the dog's condition was too severe, and the owner chose to euthanize. A post-mortem examination revealed heart changes and amyloidosis (a buildup of protein) in the lungs, which can cause serious breathing issues in older dogs.
People also search for: dog coughing and weight loss · dachshund breathing problems · pulmonary amyloidosis in dogs
Abstract
A 12-year-old dachshund was referred for respiratory distress, coughing, and weight loss. Cyanosis, dyspnea, tachypnea, and harsh lung sounds were noted on physical examination. Polycythemia with an increased number of nucleated red blood cells; right atrial enlargement; severe interstitial-to-alveolar pattern in all lung fields; and peripheral, echogenic, pulmonary masses were observed. Cytological examination of pulmonary aspirates indicated possible pulmonary carcinoma. The dog was euthanized at the owner's request. Isolated right-ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arteriopathy with amyloid deposits of apolipoprotein A1 were identified upon necropsy and histopathology. Pulmonary vascular amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of respiratory distress in aged dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9527428/