MVSc

In the present study, standard electrocardiogram patterns were worked
out from sixty normal dogs. These dogs were grouped according to age groups
like dogs below one year and above one year and different breeds like German
Shepherd, Dobermann pinscher, Dachshund, Spitz and Mongrel.
Based on the clinical signs and electrocardiogram abnormalities, thirteen!'
dogs were grouped into (1) dogs with congestive heart failure, (2) dogs with
ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia and (3) dogs with electolyte
imbalance due to renal disease.
Congestive heart failure was found to be more in geriatric small breeds
like Dachshund and Spitz.
The clinical signs observed in dogs with CHF were anorexia, cough,
exertional dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, orthopnoea, crackles, murmurs,
syncope, cachexia and ascites.
Clinical signs exhibited by the dogs with ventricular enlargement
secondary to anaemia were anorexia, pale visible mucous membranes,
weakness and respiratory distress.
Dogs with electrolyte imbalance due to renal disease exhibited anorexia,
vomiting, diarrhoea, malena, polydipsia, oliguria and anuria.

The electrocardiographic signs exhibited by dogs with congestive heart
failure were consistent with left atrial enlargement, left and right ventricular
enlargement, ventricular tachycardia and right bundle branch block. Dogs in
group Il had right and left ventricular enlargement as major electrocardiogram
abnormality. Dogs in group III with renal disease exhibited tall and peaked 'T'
wave and prolonged 'Q- T - interval in electrocardiogram specifically on the
chest leads.
The prominent radiographic signs observed in dogs with CHF in the
present study were left atrial enlargement, left and right ventricular enlargement
t'
and tracheal elevation. Dogs in group II showed left ventricular enlargement,
pericardial effusion and tracheal elevation. Group In animals had no
radiographic signs of cardiac enlargement.
Ultrasonographic evidence of cardiac involvement were present in three
dogs, two with CHF and one with ventricular enlargement secondary to
anaemia. The findings of postmortem examination of the heart in one dog with
CHF were suggestive of mitral valvular insufficiency.
Haematology showed no variations in dogs with CHF. Group II and III
animals exhibited anaemia evidenced by haematological changes like low TEC,
Hb and PCV. Group III animals had neutrophilia with lymphopenia. Group III
also had microcytic anaemia.






Serum values of CK and AL T were normal in all the three groups. Dogs
with CHF showed elevated sodium level while group III with renal disease
showed elevated potassium level. Group Il animals had hypoproteinaemia and
hypoalbuminaemia. Group III animals revealed severe hypoalbuminaemia, low
albumin: globulin ratio and elevated serum creatinine.