Cardiac Disease
(Source OFA)
Congenital heart disease in dogs is a malformation of the heart or great vessels. The lesions characterizing congenital heart defects are present at birth and may develop more fully during perinatal and growth periods. Many congenital heart defects are thought to be genetically transmitted from parents to offspring; however, the exact modes of inheritance have not been precisely determined for all cardiovascular malformations. The most common congenital cardiovascular defects can be grouped into several anatomic categories. These anatomic diagnoses include:
- Malformation of the atrioventricular valves.
- Malformation of the ventricular outflow leading to obstruction of blood flow.
- Defects of the cardiac septa (shunts).
- Abnormal development of the great vessels or other vascular structures.
- Complex, multiple, or other congenital disorders of the heart, pericardium, or blood vessels.
Adult Onset Cardiac Disease
Adult-onset or developmental cardiac diseases develop later in life and include for example; hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic and dilatative cardiomyopathies. Because acquired disease can appear subsequent to a normal cardiac exam, adult onset clearances are only valid for one year from the time of the exam. Many adult-onset or developmental cardiac diseases may have a genetic component, however the exact modes of inheritance have not been precisely determined for all cardiovascular malformations.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Leonbergers
(Source University of Helsinki & Folkhälsan Research Center)
What is Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)?
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is an unexpected heart failure, often caused by sudden cardiac arrest. While SCD in older humans is commonly linked to coronary artery disease, younger individuals often suffer from inherited arrhythmias caused by genetic mutations. Similar inherited arrhythmic conditions have been observed in dogs, including Leonbergers.
Arrhythmias in Leonbergers
. Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms caused by disruptions in the heart’s electrical system. In Leonbergers, research has shown a pattern resembling Brugada Syndrome in humans. Holter monitoring has detected ventricular arrhythmias in young dogs. Importantly, these cases do not present structural heart abnormalities, suggesting a hereditary electrical disorder.
Diagnosis of Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in Leonbergers.
A definitive diagnosis of arrhythmias and the risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) requires specialized cardiac examinations. Since affected dogs do not show structural heart abnormalities, diagnosing the condition relies on detecting electrical disturbances in the heart.
Diagnostic Methods:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A standard test that records the heart’s electrical activity and helps identify abnormal rhythms.
- Holter Monitoring: A 24-hour (or longer) continuous ECG recording that provides a more detailed assessment of heart rhythm abnormalities. Holter monitoring is currently the best tool for detecting ventricular arrhythmias in Leonbergers.
If you suspect your dog may have an arrhythmia or if your dog has experienced fainting episodes, unusual lethargy, or sudden collapse, consult a veterinarian specialized in cardiology. Early detection through Holter monitoring can provide critical information for your dog’s health and help advance research efforts.
How to Participate
If your dog has been diagnosed with an arrhythmia or has undergone Holter monitoring, please consider contributing to this research. Additionally, reporting cases of sudden cardiac death is crucial for advancing our understanding of this condition.
For more information, visit:https://www.koirangeenit.fi/english/participate/
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