Left atrial thrombosis secondary to blunt cardiacinjury in two dogs

摘要

Two dogs, victims of motor vehicle accidents, werehospitalised at our Veterinary Teaching Hospital withmultiple injuries. Electrocardiographic abnormalitieswere observed in both dogs: case 1 showed ventriculararrhythmias, while case 2 manifested second degreeatrioventricular block. Increased cardiac troponin-I serumlevels and echocardiographic alterations compatible withleft atrial wall lesions and thrombosis were detected.Based on these symptoms, the dogs were diagnosedwith traumatic blunt cardiac injury. Both patients had leftatrial thrombus formation, but only case 1 underwentantiplatelet therapy and experienced thromboembolicspread. Blunt cardiac injury and related consequencesshould be considered in traumatised patients. ECGtogether with cardiac troponin-I measurement andechocardiography could help clinicians to diagnose andmonitor the condition.