Longitudinal tissue Doppler imaging of LA deformation was feasible in healthy dogs, and its application may be useful for understanding atrial pathophysiologic changes associated with various cardiac diseases in dogs.

Background: Left atrial (LA) function is an important determinant of the left ventricular (LV) filling, playing a key role in maintaining optimal cardiac performance. Pimobendan is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor with positive inotropic and vasodilator effects. The present study aims to investigate the effects of pimobendan on LA function in dogs with stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Aim: The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of pimobendan on LA function in dogs with preclinical MMVD. Methods: Twenty-seven dogs with stage B2 MMVD were retrospectively included. LA function was assessed before and 1-6 months following pimobendan initiation. For each dog, two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography was performed to assess LA diameter and volume for each phase of the LA cycle and to assess complete, passive, and active LA function. Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of the left ventricular longitudinal myocardial velocity associated with atrial contraction (A'), both at the level of the interventricular septum and the LV free wall, was also used as an indicator of LA function. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the left atrial variables pre-and posttreatment. Conclusion: Echocardiographic estimates of LA function by 2D diameters and volumes and TDI A' in dogs with MMVD do not change after treatment with pimobendan.

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This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a 6-month-old cat, causing left-sided congestive heart failure. This congenital heart defect, rarely reported in the cat, was diagnosed during investigation of a loud, continuous heart murmur, exercise intolerance, tachypnoea and dyspnoea. The cat was started on medical treatment for congestive heart failure and underwent surgical closure of the PDA once optimal control of the heart failure had been achieved. The cat recovered well from the surgery, with no major complications and gradual resolution of the clinical signs. The cat was reported to be fully recovered following discontinuation of heart failure treatment 1 month after the surgery, and to be stable 4 months after surgery. This case report alerts the clinician to consider PDA within the list of differential diagnosis in a kitten with a continuous heart murmur, and demonstrates that surgical correction of this defect can be associated with an excellent prognosis.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of premedication with intravenous chlorphenamine on blood transfusion outcome in dogs; specifically, for transfusion associated complications (TAC). MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed at a UK University referral hospital between 2009 and 2019. Canine patients that received either whole blood (WB) or packed red blood cells (PRBC) were identified through databases searches. Information recorded included signalment, pretreatment with chlorphenamine, other medication administered and cause of anaemia. TAC and various transfusion variables were also recorded; temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure before, during and after transfusion, pre-and post-transfusion packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin, serum bilirubin and urinalysis, duration and rate of transfusion and survival to discharge. ResultsA total of 56 dogs received 77 blood transfusions. The prevalence of TAC was 20.8% for all transfusions and 21.4% for first transfusion events. Febrile non haemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR), followed by vomiting post transfusion were most frequent. The percentage of TAC was 25.0% for dogs receiving PRBC compared with 13.8% for those receiving WB. There was no significant difference found between those pre-medicated with chlorphenamine and those that were not for TAC (P = 0.393), survival to discharge (P = 0.377), post-transfusion PCV (P = 0.213), specific TAC (type 1 hypersensitivity reactions (P = 0.680)) or when dogs received immunosuppressants (P = 0.590). Statement (conclusions)The prevalence of TAC was consistent with previous literature; these were mild and often selflimiting. In addition, this study suggested no indication for prophylactic chlorphenamine prior to canine blood transfusions.