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Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis...
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Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 26839

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Paola G. Brambilla

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via dell’ Università n. 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Interests: clinical epidemiology of congenital heart diseases in dogs; myxomatous mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (clinical, genetic, and novel cardiac biomarkers)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chiara Locatelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via dell’ Università n. 6 – 26900 – Lodi, Italy
Interests: feline cardiomyopathy; therapy of myxomatous mitral valve disease and advanced echocardiography techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heart diseases in companion animals are among the most common reasons for veterinary consultation in clinical practice. The increased attention paid to general management and pets’ health problems has significantly increased their expectation of life. Nevertheless, old age makes them more prone to develop heart diseases. The goals of researchers are subsequently to improve the quality of life and to increase the survival time of our patients. In this context, interaction with one another, and the sharing of experiences and data, play a crucial role to achieve the best results. These are the reasons why we endorse this Special Issue on “Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy”. All studies focused on diagnostic procedures, prognostic aspects and therapeutic protocols of congenital and acquired heart diseases are welcome and will be carefully considered for publication. Moreover, in accordance with the opinion that “companion animals” now covers horses as well as dogs and cats, we will be delighted to receive any original manuscripts focused on equine cardiology. The aim of this Special Issue is to collate a body of work on the subject of “heart disease in companion animals” to demonstrate and share both the current progress and also future solutions.

Prof. Paola Giuseppina Brambilla
Dr. Chiara Locatelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • congestive heart failure
  • mitral valve disease
  • dogs
  • cats
  • horses
  • cardiomyopathy
  • MicroRNAs
  • gene expression
  • cardiovascular diagnostic testing

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5320 KiB  
Article
Influence of Obesity on Histological Tissue Structure of the Cardiovascular System in Horses
by Natalia Siwinska, Izabela Janus, Agnieszka Zak-Bochenek and Agnieszka Noszczyk-Nowak
Animals 2022, 12(6), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12060732 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3551
Abstract
It has been well established that obesity in horses can have a negative impact on their health, including endocrine disturbances. In humans, it is well known that obesity leads to structural and functional changes of the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study [...] Read more.
It has been well established that obesity in horses can have a negative impact on their health, including endocrine disturbances. In humans, it is well known that obesity leads to structural and functional changes of the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of obesity on the histological structure of the myocardial tissue, as well as great and peripheral arteries in horses. The heart, arteries (aorta, pulmonary artery and palmar arteries) specimens from 7 horses with normal BCS (4–5/9) and 12 extremely obese (BCS 9/9) draft slaughter horses were obtained for histopathological evaluation. The heart tissue and great arteries showed more intense disturbances in the architecture and vacuolization in the aorta in obese horses as compared to the healthy group. The intima in the pulmonary artery, coronary arteries and palmar arteries was thicker in the obese, rather than healthy horses. The palmar arteries in obese horses had a larger lumen diameter and the lumen-to-total diameter ratio as compared to the control group. The presented study showed a significant effect of obesity on the heart as well as the central and peripheral vessels in horses. This forms the basis for a deeper reflection on the impact of obesity on the equine body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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12 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Cardiac Arrhythmias before, during, and after Treadmill Exercise Testing in Poorly Performing Standardbred Racehorses
by Elena Alberti, Luca Stucchi, Chiara Maria Lo Feudo, Giovanni Stancari, Bianca Conturba, Francesco Ferrucci and Enrica Zucca
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082413 - 16 Aug 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3024
Abstract
The incidence of significant arrhythmias in sport horses and knowledge about their exact influence on athletic performance need to be clarified. The aims of the present study are to report the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias during maximal treadmill exercise in poorly performing Standardbreds, [...] Read more.
The incidence of significant arrhythmias in sport horses and knowledge about their exact influence on athletic performance need to be clarified. The aims of the present study are to report the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias during maximal treadmill exercise in poorly performing Standardbreds, and to investigate the possible relationship of demographic, cardiac and performance indices on premature complexes (PCs). Electrocardiographic Holter recordings before, during and after treadmill exercise testing of 158 poorly performing Standardbreds were analyzed retrospectively. Fifty horses did not have any type of arrhythmia. One hundred and eight horses had at least one type of arrhythmia, such as sinus arrhythmia (8.2%), sinoatrial block (3.2%), second-degree atrioventricular block (33.5%), supraventricular PCs (7.6%), and ventricular PCs (48.1%). A multiple regression analysis showed weak evidence that the occurrence of premature complexes decreases as the minimum heart rate increases, and a tendency for these arrhythmias to increase with increasing age and maximum lactate concentration. Our results suggest that PCs are frequent in poorly performing Standardbred racehorses, but further studies are necessary to clarify their role and clinical significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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13 pages, 2542 KiB  
Article
Lorenz Plot Analysis in Dogs with Sinus Rhythm and Tachyarrhythmias
by Giovanni Romito, Carlo Guglielmini, Helen Poser and Marco Baron Toaldo
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061645 - 1 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4000
Abstract
The Lorenz plot (LP), a graphical representation of heart rate variability, has been poorly studied in dogs to date. The present study aimed to describe the graphic features of LP in dogs with sinus rhythm (SR) and tachyarrhythmias, and to analyze the usefulness [...] Read more.
The Lorenz plot (LP), a graphical representation of heart rate variability, has been poorly studied in dogs to date. The present study aimed to describe the graphic features of LP in dogs with sinus rhythm (SR) and tachyarrhythmias, and to analyze the usefulness of its pattern recognition. One hundred and nineteen canine Holter recordings were retrospectively evaluated. Cardiac rhythms were classified as: SR; SR with frequent (>100) premature ectopies (atrial, SR-APCs; ventricular, SR-VPCs; atrial and ventricular, SR-APCs-VPCs); atrial fibrillation (AF); and AF with frequent VPCs (AF-VPCs). Lorenz plots were studied qualitatively and quantitatively, and classified by distinct LP patterns (LPPs). Repeatability and reproducibility of LPP classification and diagnostic value were determined. Recordings included: 48 SR, 9 SR-APCs, 35 SR-VPCs, 5 SR-APCs-VPCs, 4 AF, and 18 AF-VPCs. Ten LPPs were identified: comet (n = 12), torpedo (n = 3), Y-shaped (n = 6), diamond (n = 10), diamond with a central silent zone (n = 17), double side-lobe (DSL) (n = 47), triple side-lobe (n = 1), quadruple side-lobe (n = 2), fan (n = 18), and fan with DSL (n = 3). Repeatability and reproducibility of LPP classification were excellent. The DSL pattern was both highly sensitive (91.3%) and specific (94.5%) for SR with frequent premature ectopies, either APCs, or VPCs, or both. The remaining LPPs had lower diagnostic value (high specificity but low sensitivity). Distinct rhythms imprint distinct and reproducible LPPs in dogs. The majority of canine LPPs are specific but insensitive indicators of SR and tachyarrhythmias. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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10 pages, 394 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Echocardiographic Findings in an Aged Population of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
by Jorge Prieto Ramos, Andrea Corda, Simon Swift, Laura Saderi, Gabriel De La Fuente Oliver, Brendan Corcoran, Kim M. Summers and Anne T. French
Animals 2021, 11(4), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040949 - 28 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2575
Abstract
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. It varies from dogs without clinical signs to those developing left-sided congestive heart failure, leading to death. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) are particularly susceptible to MMVD. We hypothesised that [...] Read more.
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. It varies from dogs without clinical signs to those developing left-sided congestive heart failure, leading to death. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) are particularly susceptible to MMVD. We hypothesised that within the elderly CKCS population, there is a sub-cohort of MMVD-affected dogs that do not have cardiac remodelling. The objectives of the present study were (i) to determine the prevalence and the degree of cardiac remodelling associated with MMVD; and (ii) assess the effect of age, gender, and body weight on echocardiographic status in a population of aged CKCSs. A total of 126 CKCSs ≥ 8 years old were prospectively included. They all had a physical and echocardiographic examination. A systolic murmur was detected in 89% of dogs; the presence of clinical signs was reported in 19% of them; and echocardiographic evidence of MMVD was described in 100%. Despite the high prevalence, 44.4% of the dogs were clear of echocardiographic signs of cardiac remodelling. Age was significantly associated with the presence and severity of cardiac remodelling and mitral valve prolapse. Our results showed that a proportion of elderly CKCS with confirmed MMVD did not undergo advanced stages of this pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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17 pages, 978 KiB  
Article
A Genomic Study of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
by Arianna Bionda, Matteo Cortellari, Mara Bagardi, Stefano Frattini, Alessio Negro, Chiara Locatelli, Paola Giuseppina Brambilla and Paola Crepaldi
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101895 - 16 Oct 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3915
Abstract
Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCSs) show the earliest onset and the highest incidence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Previous studies have suggested a polygenic inheritance of the disease in this breed and revealed an association with regions on canine chromosomes 13 and [...] Read more.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCSs) show the earliest onset and the highest incidence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Previous studies have suggested a polygenic inheritance of the disease in this breed and revealed an association with regions on canine chromosomes 13 and 14. Following clinical and echocardiographic examinations, 33 not-directly-related CKCSs were selected and classified as cases (n = 16) if MMVD was present before 5 years of age or as controls (n = 17) if no or very mild MMVD was present after 5 years of age. DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyped with a Canine 230K SNP BeadChip instrument. Cases and controls were compared with three complementary genomic analyses (Wright’s fixation index—FST, cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity—XP-EHH, and runs of homozygosity—ROH) to identify differences in terms of heterozygosity and regions of homozygosity. The top 1% single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and mapped, and the genes were thoroughly investigated. Ten consensus genes were found localized on chromosomes 3-11-14-19, partially confirming previous studies. The HEPACAM2, CDK6, and FAH genes, related to the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway and heart development, also emerged in the ROH analysis. In conclusion, this work expands the knowledge of the genetic basis of MMVD by identifying genes involved in the early onset of MMVD in CKCSs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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Review

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27 pages, 3165 KiB  
Review
Management of Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Caused by Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs: A Narrative Review from 1970 to 2020
by Mara Bagardi, Viola Zamboni, Chiara Locatelli, Alberto Galizzi, Sara Ghilardi and Paola G. Brambilla
Animals 2022, 12(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020209 - 16 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4445
Abstract
The treatment of chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs, has considerably changed in the last fifty years. An analysis of the literature concerning the therapy of chronic CHF in dogs affected by MMVD is not [...] Read more.
The treatment of chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs, has considerably changed in the last fifty years. An analysis of the literature concerning the therapy of chronic CHF in dogs affected by MMVD is not available, and it is needed. Narrative reviews (NRs) are aimed at identifying and summarizing what has been previously published, avoiding duplications, and seeking new study areas that have not yet been addressed. The most accessible open-access databases, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were chosen, and the searching time frame was set in five decades, from 1970 to 2020. The 384 selected studies were classified into categories depending on the aim of the study, the population target, the pathogenesis of MMVD (natural/induced), and the resulting CHF. Over the years, the types of studies have increased considerably in veterinary medicine. In particular, there have been 43 (24.29%) clinical trials, 41 (23.16%) randomized controlled trials, 10 (5.65%) cross-over trials, 40 (22.60%) reviews, 5 (2.82%) comparative studies, 17 (9.60%) case-control studies, 2 (1.13%) cohort studies, 2 (1.13%) experimental studies, 2 (1.13%) questionnaires, 6 (3.40%) case-reports, 7 (3.95%) retrospective studies, and 2 (1.13%) guidelines. The experimental studies on dogs with an induced form of the disease were less numerous (49–27.68%) than the studies on dogs affected by spontaneous MMVD (128–72.32%). The therapy of chronic CHF in dogs has considerably changed in the last fifty years: in the last century, some of the currently prescribed drugs did not exist yet, while others had different indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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Other

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10 pages, 3519 KiB  
Case Report
Chylopericardium Effusion in a Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis)
by Mara Bagardi, Jessica Bassi, Angelica Stranieri, Vanessa Rabbogliatti, Daniela Gioeni, William Magnone and Claudio Pigoli
Animals 2021, 11(2), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020536 - 19 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2274
Abstract
An 11-year-old female Hapalemur alaotrensis was evaluated following a history of dyspnea of 15 days’ duration. Thoracic radiography performed by the referring veterinarian revealed a large cardiac silhouette and dorsal deviation of the trachea. Heart sounds were muffled. Echocardiographic findings were indicative of [...] Read more.
An 11-year-old female Hapalemur alaotrensis was evaluated following a history of dyspnea of 15 days’ duration. Thoracic radiography performed by the referring veterinarian revealed a large cardiac silhouette and dorsal deviation of the trachea. Heart sounds were muffled. Echocardiographic findings were indicative of severe pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade. No pleural effusion was identified. A computed tomography (CT) exam confirmed the presence of severe pericardial effusion and allowed identification of a parenchymatous mediastinal lesion sited at the level of the left hemithorax. To delineate the thoracic duct, lymphoCT was also performed by injection of iodinated contrast medium in the perianal subcutaneous tissue. Pericardiocentesis yielded a considerable amount of effusion with chylous biochemical and cytological properties. A diagnosis of chylopericardium with absence of pleural effusion was made. Initially, the chylopericardium was managed conservatively with two centesis and oral treatment with prednisolone. Medical treatment did not result in complete resolution of effusion and clinical signs; therefore, subtotal pericardiectomy and thoracic duct ligation were recommended. After the second pericardiocentesis, the subject died and the pericardiectomy could not be performed. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the development of chylopericardium in a Hapalemur alaotrensis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals—Dogs, Cats and Horses: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)
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