Asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy in great danes: Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and echo-doppler features

摘要

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a frequent cardiac disease in Great Danes, characterized by chronic and progressive primary systolic dysfunction. The disease produces a progressive ventricular dilation (usually on the left side) and eventually atrial dilation over time. These morphological and haemodynamic alterations are followed by the appearance of clinical cardiac insufficiency. In Newfoundlands and Irish Wolfhounds (Koch et al., 1996), as well as in Dobermans (Calvert et al., 1997; O'Grady and Home, 1992), clinical manifestations of the disease may be preceded by a prolonged asymptomatic period. This phase may last for years, during which time normal haemodynamics are observed, at least during resting. However the preclinical DCM produces activation of mechanisms which compensate for systolic disfunction. Specific events (e.g., anaesthesia) may provoke a rapid worsening of the disease (Calvert et al., 1996).