8 week old cocker spaniel presented to emergency service for respiratory distress. Heart murmur and harsh lung sounds auscultated on exam.

Kelsey Cline

Publication Date: 2015-09-28

Details

Service Anatomy

Modality: Radiographs

Species: Canine

Area: Thorax

History

8 week old cocker spaniel presented to emergency service for respiratory distress. Heart murmur and harsh lung sounds auscultated on exam.

3 images

   
   

Findings

1) Severely enlarged cardiac silhouette with left atrial and ventricular enlargement causing dorsal displacement of the tracheal carina.

2) Overcirculation pattern of the vasculature (enlarged artery and vein) of the cranial and most notably, the caudal lobar vessels.

3) Heavy interstitial to alveolar pattern within the caudodorsal lungs.

4) Prominent bulge of the proximal descending aorta.

5) Multiple open physes consistent with the patients age.

  1. What do you recommend next?

    Furosemide
    Yes, and?
    Oxygen therapy
    Yes, and?
    Corticosteroids
    NO!
    Echocardiogram
    Yes, and?
    Repeat thoracic radiographs in 24-48 hours
    Yes, and?
    Aggressive fluid therapy
    NO!
    More than one of the above
    Correct! Lasix, oxygen, echocardiogram and repeat radiographs are all appropriate answers.

Diagnosis

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with secondary left sided heart failure.

Notes

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