ABSTRACT:
The clinical knowledge of cardiac disorders in dogs is fundamental to diagnose and apply appropriate therapy in the routine of a Small Animal Clinic. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological and radiographic aspects inherent to cardiovascular changes of cardiopathic dogs examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Patos/PB, Brazil. Clinical records of all animals treated between January 2007 and December 2012 were evaluated. The 131 dogs (GCARD) selected for the study had clinical and radiographic changes compatible with heart disease. For comparison, a control group (GCON) with the same number of dogs with no history of heart disease was formed. Pulmonary edema and cardiac morphological alterations were the most frequent radiographic finding. The results showed that gender was not a factor; however, older Poodles were more commonly affected by cardiac disorders. Cough, tiredness and sadness were the most frequent complaints. Cardiac murmur, dental plaque and ocular abnormalities were the most frequent clinical signs. Variables related to choking (OR=14.59), dizziness/weakness (OR=8.6), pulmonary crepitation (OR=37.34), ascites (OR=18.32), obesity (OR=12.28), tumor (OR=4.25) and dental plaque (OR=3.75) were identified as associated with heart disease. Even if it is not possible to determine the etiologic diagnosis of heart diseases, a broad clinical and epidemiological knowledge of these diseases is necessary, so that the pathophysiological consequences of heart disease are quickly identified, bringing quality of life to all cardiopathic patients.
INDEX TERMS:
Risk factors; cardiovascular alterations; dogs; obesity; neoplasm