Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Left atrial size and function in Cavalier King Charles spaniels
By Savarino, Paolo et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2024·Department of Veterinary Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Left atrial volume and function in Cavalier King Charles spaniels at different ACVIM stages.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was studied to understand how their heart's left atrium (the chamber that collects blood) changes as they progress through different stages of degenerative mitral valve disease. The researchers found that as the disease worsens, the size and function of the left atrium also change, particularly in dogs showing symptoms. In early stages (ACVIM B1), the left atrium was larger and functioned better, but this changed in more advanced stages (ACVIM C/D), indicating heart issues. This information can help veterinarians assess heart health in these dogs and tailor treatment accordingly.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel heart disease · dog heart size symptoms · mitral valve disease treatment in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The correct assessment of left atrial size and function is essential to evaluate the severity of degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate left atrial (LA) dimension and function in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) at different ACVIM stages and the accuracy of linear and volumetric indexes to assess LA enlargement. ANIMALS: One hundred and ninety-eight privately owned CKCS. METHODS: Multicentric prospective observational cross-sectional study. Dogs underwent an echocardiographic exam for breed screening or cardiac examination. Linear and volumetric echocardiographic LA size and function indexes were compared between classes. RESULTS: Dogs were allocated as follows: 43 in class ACVIM A, 58 ACVIM B1, 55 ACVIM B2, and 42 ACVIM C/D. Only LA anteroposterior diameter normalized on body weight (LADn) and LA maximal, minimal and P volumes (LAV, LAV, LAV) differed across all pairwise comparisons. Active LA emptying fraction (aLAEF) was higher in class B1 compared to class A (P < .001), and then decreased in class C/D compared to class B2 (P < .001). This suggests an increase in the left atrial active component due to the Frank-Starling mechanism in ACVIM B1 dogs, and the presence of atrial dysfunction in symptomatic dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The LADn and LAV are higher in CKCS in class ACVIM B1 compared to class ACVIM A, suggesting the presence of LA remodelling at the early stages of the disease. Atrial dysfunction is evident in symptomatic dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39378753/