Heart Failure in Veterinary Medicine

Practice flashcards covering the clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of heart failure in dogs based on veterinary lecture notes.

Heart failure classic clinical signs

Common symptoms include

cough

exercise intolerance

abdominal distension

heartbeat abnormalities ($\pm$ heart murmur or arrhythmia)

harsh lung sounds or crackles.

Thoracic radiography findings for heart failure

Imaging results showing

heart enlargement

dilated pulmonary veins

interstitial to alveolar lung changes in the caudodorsal lung fields.

Echocardiography findings for heart failure

Diagnostic imaging showing

left atrial $\pm$ left ventricular enlargement

poor contractility

valvular insufficiency

right atrial/ventricular dilation.

Cause of pulmonary edema in heart failure

Typically caused by left atrial $\pm$ left ventricular enlargement.

Cause of ascites in heart failure

Typically caused by right atrial and ventricular dilation.

Furosemide

A diuretic used in both acute and chronic treatment of heart failure to manage fluid volume.

Pimobendan

An agent that acts as both a positive inotrope and a vasodilator used in heart failure management.

Acute heart failure treatment protocol

Immediate management involving oxygen therapy, diuretics (furosemide), positive inotropes/vasodilators (pimobendan), and sedation to decrease stress.

Chronic heart failure treatment protocol

Long-term management including diuretics (furosemide), pimobendan, ACE-inhibitors, exercise restriction, and dietary salt restriction.

Heart failure prognosis

Classified as guarded.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (Echocardiogram signs)

Marked by significant left atrial and left ventricular dilation on an echocardiogram.