Transient collapse in dogs and cats, in a cardiorespiratory referral population
Publication Date
October 15, 2019
Creator
14152140
Abstract
Background
Dogs and cats presenting to the veterinary surgeon with a history of intermittent collapse/weakness are challenging cases in which to reach a diagnosis. There are many possible underlying aetiologies and, as the clinical signs are typically transient, a definitive diagnosis may not be reached. Identifying key parameters which impact on survival may guide case management. The published literature is limited, especially in cats.
Methods
A retrospective review of case records and follow-up data of dogs and cats presenting with collapse or weakness to 2 referral hospitals was carried out. Cox regression analysis to identify significant predictors of death and Kaplan Meier survival analysis.
Results
Two-hundred and fifty-three dogs were included in the analysis. A diagnosis was recorded in 56% of dogs and 64% of these had cardiac disease. Time to death ranged from 0-41110 days. The predictors of death were: age >/=7 years, echocardiographic detection of ventricular enlargment, moderate/severe aortic stenosis, pericardial effusion, hypercholesterolaemia, presence of a radiographic pulmonary pattern, continued collapsing episodes, tachydysrhythmia on electrocardiogram and/or holter monitor recording and anaemia.
Thirty-three cats presenting for collapse/weakness were identified and they tended to be middle-to-old aged and male, with echocardiographic evidence of structural heart disease. Ninety percent of cats were diagnosed with cardiac disease, however it was only reported as the cause of the collapse/weakness in 30% of cases. The collapse/weakness was of unknown origin in 58% of cases and the time to death after presentation, ranged from 3 days to 6 years.
Summary
This study provides an overview of the diagnoses and outcome in dogs/cats which presented with collapse to referral cardiorespiratory centres.
The signalment of dogs presenting for collapse is varied and the majority of collapse(s) are associated with a preceding event (most commonly exercise/exertion). A diagnosis cannot always be reached, but in cases where cardiac disease is identified, and in cases which continue to collapse, the survival time is less. Additionally, specific parameters from the history, signalment and diagnostic investigations negatively impact on survival in dogs with collapse, irrespective of the underlying cause (and whether or not a diagnosis is reached).
Cats presenting with collapse should be screened for cardiac disease and that owners should be made aware of the varied survival time.
Item Type
ethesis
Thesis Type
MVM
Supervisors
Subjects (LC)
Associated Schools / Departments
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
eprints ID
58998
UoN Repository URI
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Thesis_J Huxley_4152140.pdf
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Full-text
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Format
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