{"title":"Intermittent ventricular pre-excitation in a dog with orthodromic reciprocating atrioventricular tachycardia.","authors":"M Salvati, C Bourguignon, F Ivasovic","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.08.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A four-year-old female neutered Labrador retriever was referred for investigation of paroxysmal tachycardia. On physical examination, a heart rate of 220 beats/min with no heart murmurs was noticed. Cardiac troponin I was significantly increased. A six-lead electrocardiography revealed phases of narrow QRS complexes tachycardia with regular RR intervals and a QP'/P'Q of 0.80, compatible with orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (OAVRT), alternating with sinus rhythm. On ambulatory electrocardiography, initial phases of OAVRT were followed by sinus rhythm. The sinus beats were interrupted by occasional wide QRS complexes with reduced PR interval and noticeable delta (δ) waves, which confirmed the presence of an accessory pathway. The diagnosis was of OAVRT with intermittent ventricular pre-excitation, and laddergrams were included to illustrate the underlying conduction patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"68 ","pages":"48-53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148892665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to \"Evidence-based medical therapy for mitral regurgitation in dogs\" [J Vet Cardiol (2026) 10.1016/j.jvc.2026.04.006].","authors":"J P Mochel, J L Ward, J A Stern","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.08.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148841706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Breed screening for myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.","authors":"L H Olsen, S Swift, J Häggström","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.07.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myxomatous mitral valve disease contributes to cardiac morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide. It is the most common heart disease in dogs. The exact cause of myxomatous mitral valve disease is still unknown but it is described as heritable in some dog breeds. The present literature review presents an overview of myxomatous mitral valve disease breeding screening methods and ongoing screening programs in dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148714141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"High-pressure balloon valvuloplasty in small dogs with severe pulmonary stenosis: retrospective evaluation of the Mustang™ Balloon Dilatation Catheter in 12 dogs.","authors":"M E McMullen, R L Winter, K L Maneval, C S Ferrel","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.07.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objectives: </strong>Balloon valvuloplasty (BV) is a common treatment in dogs with severe valvar pulmonary stenosis (PS). Many reports in dogs with PS describe low-pressure balloon catheter use, with successful outcomes expected with type A. High-pressure balloon catheter use in dogs with type B PS has been reported; however, these reports typically describe dogs of larger body weight. The Mustang™ Balloon Dilatation Catheter, which requires smaller introducer sheath sizes, may be of use in small dogs with PS. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the immediate outcomes of dogs with severe PS that underwent BV with a Mustang™ balloon catheter.</p><p><strong>Animals, materials and methods: </strong>Twelve client-owned dogs with type B or intermediate-type PS that underwent BV were included in the study. Medical records, echocardiographic images, and angiographic examinations were reviewed. Maximal pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve was assessed before and 18-24 h after BV. Intra-operative complications, introducer size, and size of balloon catheter used were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median (range) weight at the time of BV was 3.05 kg (2.2-5.7 kg). A 6-Fr introducer was used in 10 of 12 dogs. The median (standard deviation) pulmonary annulus diameter was 7.0 ± 1.09 mm, and the balloon-to-annulus ratio was 1.4 ± 0.09. Pulmonary pressure gradient decreased from 168 ± 46 mmHg to 56 ± 25 mmHg (P<0.0001).</p><p><strong>Study limitations: </strong>Limitations include the retrospective nature of the study, the small number of dogs, and the reporting of only immediate outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The use of the Mustang™ balloon catheter for BV is feasible in small dogs and may provide benefit in those with severe type B or intermediate-type PS.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148714144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K L Phipps, J A Allen, K A Barrett, C J Day, M N Doan
{"title":"Left atrial decompression in dogs with heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease: a long-term outcome study.","authors":"K L Phipps, J A Allen, K A Barrett, C J Day, M N Doan","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.07.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objectives: </strong>Left-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease carries high morbidity and mortality in dogs. Left atrial decompression (LAD) has been employed in severely affected dogs refractory to medical therapy, but long-term outcomes have not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival time following LAD, the frequency of iatrogenic atrial septal defect closure, the frequency of right-sided CHF, and the frequency of cardiac-related hospitalizations.</p><p><strong>Animals, materials and methods: </strong>A total of 111 client-owned dogs with stage B2, C, or D mitral valve disease undergoing LAD. A retrospective cohort study of patients treated between October 2018 and September 2021 was conducted. The primary outcome was time to cardiac-related death or euthanasia. Secondary outcomes included time to right-sided CHF, iatrogenic atrial septal defect closure, and frequency of CHF-related hospitalization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Iatrogenic atrial septal defect closure occurred in 22 dogs (20.2%), most commonly when septal puncture was performed caudal to the fossa ovalis. Forty-seven dogs (42.3%) developed right-sided CHF after LAD, with onset ranging from 1 to 873 days. Twenty-five dogs (22.5%) were hospitalized for cardiac disease after the procedure. Median survival time was 379 days (range, 1-1282) after the LAD procedure.</p><p><strong>Study limitations: </strong>Given the retrospective design and absence of a medically managed control group, prospective studies are warranted to further define the long-term benefits of LAD.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Left atrial decompression provided satisfactory survival times in dogs with advanced mitral valve disease refractory to standard therapy. Left CHF recurrence requiring hospitalization was uncommon, but right-sided CHF developed frequently, albeit with variable onset. Atrial septal defect closure was rare and may be minimized by puncturing within the fossa ovalis.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M Demeyere, A Dufourni, L-M Verhaeghe, I Vernemmen, T De Backer, G van Loon, A Decloedt
{"title":"Auscultatory findings and left atrial function as indicators of mitral valve regurgitation severity in horses.","authors":"M Demeyere, A Dufourni, L-M Verhaeghe, I Vernemmen, T De Backer, G van Loon, A Decloedt","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.06.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.06.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objectives: </strong>Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is frequently detected in horses, but its classification and prognostication remain challenging. This study investigated whether auscultatory findings and left atrial function are associated with MR severity.</p><p><strong>Animals, materials and methods: </strong>Fifty controls (no/trivial MR) and 101 MR horses (58 mild, 36 moderate, seven severe) were retrospectively evaluated. All were in sinus rhythm and underwent auscultation and echocardiography. Mitral regurgitation severity was graded using a scoring system. Systolic murmur characteristics (duration, type and grade) were recorded. Left atrial function was quantified measuring left atrial fractional area change and left atrial and ventricular tissue Doppler indices. Statistics included analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, Spearman's rho and Cohen's weighted kappa tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A positive association was found between MR severity and left-sided systolic murmur intensity (P < 0.001) and duration (P < 0.001), and between left-sided systolic murmur duration and largest jet duration on ultrasound (P < 0.001). Left atrial fractional area change decreased with increasing MR severity (P < 0.001). Myocardial velocity of the left atrial and ventricular free wall during atrial contraction showed non-significant differences between groups [P = 0.573 and P = 0.039 (within F-test; P ≥ 0.073 after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons)].</p><p><strong>Study limitations: </strong>Study limitations included the absence of a gold standard for equine MR classification and few severe MR horses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although auscultation gives an indication about MR severity, echocardiography remains necessary to accurately diagnose MR and determine jet characteristics. Except for left atrial fractional area change, left atrial functional variables did not seem to be associated with MR severity in horses.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148580876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Climent-Pastor, M Tursi, P Sebastián-Marcos, D Casamián-Sorrosal
{"title":"Acquired aortic and mitral stenosis characterized by valvular fibroelastosis in a dog.","authors":"A Climent-Pastor, M Tursi, P Sebastián-Marcos, D Casamián-Sorrosal","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Left-sided congestive heart failure was diagnosed in a 2.6-kg 13-year-old neutered male Yorkshire terrier by compatible clinical signs and findings on thoracic radiographs. Echocardiography revealed left atrium enlargement, left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, and thickening and stenosis of the mitral and aortic valves (AVs). A hypercoagulable state, chronic kidney disease, and a portal vein thrombus were identified. Medical management and balloon valvuloplasty of the AV provided good quality of life for nine months since diagnosis, but ultimately, recurrent episodes of pulmonary oedema and acute kidney injury led to attempted mitral balloon valvuloplasty which resulted in cardiac arrest and death. Postmortem examination revealed thickening of the mitral and aortic leaflets with loss of normal stratification and the presence of large areas of fibroelastic tissue and accumulation of myxoid tissue. Hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes was also observed and was considered secondary to aortic stenosis and not due to primary myocardial disease. Histopathological examination revealed fibroelastic changes affecting both the mitral valve and AV leaflets. These findings were considered atypical for more common forms of acquired valvular disease. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, interventional management, and pathological features of an unusual case of acquired combined aortic and mitral stenosis in a dog and discusses similarities and differences with other conditions associated with comparable valvular abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148399512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Journal title page and editorial board","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1760-2734(26)00055-X","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1760-2734(26)00055-X","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"65 ","pages":"Page i"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148452459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cardiac computed tomography of the canine mitral and tricuspid valves.","authors":"Brian A Scansen","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.05.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiac computed tomography (cCT) has emerged as a valuable imaging modality in veterinary cardiology and can be used to visualize and understand diseases that affect the mitral and tricuspid valves of dogs. While echocardiography remains the primary diagnostic tool for atrioventricular valve disease, cCT offers excellent spatial and temporal resolution, at the same time overcoming the limitations posed by acoustic windows. This review article describes the technical aspects of cCT in dogs emphasizing administration of contrast medium, electrocardiographic gating, and scan timing. Specific recommendations and protocols for imaging the atrioventricular valves in dogs are discussed. Clinical applications for cCT of the atrioventricular valves include evaluation of congenital malformations, such as dysplasia and stenosis, and assessment of acquired conditions like degenerative valve disease and neoplasia. Cardiac CT enables precise visualization of valve anatomy, chamber volumes, and may assist in postprocedural evaluations for transcatheter device placement and surgical implant integrity. Advanced postprocessing techniques - such as volume rendering, virtual reality, and three-dimensional printing - enhance anatomical understanding and procedural planning. Cardiac CT is a transformative tool in veterinary cardiology, offering unparalleled anatomical and functional insights. As mechanical therapies for atrioventricular valve disease become more common in veterinary practice, cCT is likely to become a required tool for pre procedural planning as it has been in human medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148220423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Franchini, G Menciotti, H Jeong, S Lahmers, M Borgarelli
{"title":"Three-dimensional echocardiographic determinants of the early onset of myxomatous mitral valve disease within two years in young Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs.","authors":"A Franchini, G Menciotti, H Jeong, S Lahmers, M Borgarelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2026.04.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2026.04.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of this study was to investigate whether mitral valve morphological variables measured using three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) could predict the age of onset of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in healthy Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCSs).</p><p><strong>Animals, materials and methods: </strong>Cavalier King Charles spaniels without echocardiographic evidence of MMVD were prospectively enrolled. Standard two-dimensional echocardiograms and 3DTTE were performed at enrollment and every four months until the development of MMVD or 24 months from enrollment. The 3DTTE datasets were analyzed with dedicated software to assess mitral valve morphological variables. Cox's proportional hazard models were used to investigate the effect of mitral valve morphological variables at enrollment on the age of onset of MMVD. A multivariable model using backward stepwise selection was created to identify independent predictors of MMVD age of onset.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy-five CKCSs with a median age of two years (range: one-three years) were enrolled. Non-planar angle (NPA) (P=0.027, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03, 95%, confidence interval [CI]: 1.003-1.061) and tenting area (P=0.021, HR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.002-0.616) were significant in the univariable models. Non-planar angle (P=0.027, HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.004-1.061) remained significant in the multivariable model.</p><p><strong>Study limitations: </strong>This was a single-center study with small sample size involving an echocardiographic machine, with study findings being specific to the 3D software used and breed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Some mitral valve variables obtained with 3DTTE predict early-onset MMVD within two years in healthy CKCSs. Specifically, at the multivariable level, a wider NPA was associated with a younger age of onset of MMVD. Therefore, 3DTTE may be used to predict the age of onset of MMVD in CKCSs.</p>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}