Cardiomiopatia dilatada em cães: revisão de literatura

Abstract

The aim of the present review is to improve the knowledge about Cardiomyopathy dilata (CMD) in dogs, in order to understanding clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment. CMD is characterized by ventricular dilation, systolic dysfunction, and arrhythmias that may culminate in heart failure and death. It is the second most common heart disease in dogs, affecting mainly large animals and males. The etiology is idiopathic, but some genes associated with the disease have already been identified. The clinical manifestation is basically divided into occult and symptomatic stages. The occult stage is characterized by the presence of electrical and/or morphological changes and absence of clinical signs. Dogs may present the long occult stage to the development of acute heart failure or sudden death. The symptomatic stage is defined by the presence of left or biventricular heart failure. The diagnosis is only confirmed by echocardiography and/or Holter. These exams are considered gold standard, since they present high sensitivity in the early identification of the disease. Dogs of predisposed breeds should be monitored annually from the age of three. The treatment is intended to minimize the effects of heart failure, and is instituted according to the stage in which the animal is. The prognosis after onset of clinical signs is worse. Some factors may influence survival in a positive or negative way. Periodic examinations are great importance to obtain early diagnosis and interpose in order to delay the progression of the disease.