Cardiology

A review of the mechanism of action of the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan; plus, its use in veterinary medicine to date.

Heart failure is a syndrome of clinical signs that, although well recognized by clinicians, is difficult to define precisely. Treatment of CHF in dogs can be divided into two phases: acute and chronic.

Cardiovascular and renal disease are commonly diagnosed in cats and dogs; incidence increases with patient age. Each condition is irreversible and progressive. These conditions are particularly challenging when they occur simultaneously; what is good for one system may be counterproductive for the other. In this article, we describe the physiologic interactions between these 2 systems, disease classifications, techniques for detecting one condition in the presence of the other, and strategies for managing patients with these co-existing conditions.

The diagnosis of cardiac disease in cats can be challenging and may require a combination of history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, electrocardiography, diagnostic imaging, and systemic workup. This article presents 2 clinical cases, 1 with and 1 without clinical signs of heart disease, to highlight the use of tailored diagnostics to diagnose cardiac disease in …

Heart failure in dogs is a complex condition, but successful management is possible. Here are practical tips for diagnosis and management.

Erin McGowan, VMD, and Deborah Silverstein, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC University of Pennsylvania Early recognition of patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis is imperative in order to optimize the chance of patient survival. Early intervention is then necessary to minimize further tissue ischemia, cellular damage, and organ injury. Part 1 of this series—Systemic …

Ashley B. Saunders, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology), Texas A&M University Making a difference in the diagnosis and management of dogs and cats with heart disease—Dr. Saunders highlights 5 developments in veterinary cardiology: Digital radiography, cardiac biomarkers, smartphone apps and devices, cardiac medication, and interventional procedures. Veterinary practitioners strive to provide patients and owners with state-of-the-art …

The RECOVER initiative created the first consensus guidelines on veterinary resuscitation, and discusses the 5 domains of CPR: preparedness and prevention, basic life support, advanced life support, monitoring, and post cardiac arrest care.

Mark A. Oyama, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology) Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is a common canine cardiac disease; approximately 30% of dogs over age 10 possess the characteristic left-sided systolic murmur of DMVD and resulting mitral regurgitation (MR).1 DMVD is most common in small breeds, with some breeds being highly predisposed. For example, virtually all …