Acquired Heart Disease Canine Heartworm Disease Presentation

Lesson 18, Topic 3

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Signalment:

– Dogs are at least 6 months of age; usually middle aged
– Males and large breed dogs are more often infected than are females and small dogs
History:

Asymptomatic cases:
– positive on yearly testing
Symptomatic cases:
– having frequented a heartworm endemic area (south eastern US)
– weight loss, anorexia
– chronic non-productive cough
– labored respiration, exertional dyspnea
– exercise intolerance, syncope
– if heart failure present, may note abdominal distention
Physical Examination:
Most cases examined annually as a screen for heartworm infection show no clinical signs
- Mild HWD:
  - cough on tracheal manipulation
- Moderate HWD:
  - increased rate and depth of respiration
  - normal lung sounds or fine crackles on pulmonary auscultation
  - mild weight loss, partial anorexia
- Severe HWD:
  - signs of right heart failure (elevated right atrial preload) – jugular distention or pulsation, ascites
  - increased rate and depth of respiration
  - fine crackles on pulmonary auscultation
  - split second heart sound on cardiac auscultation
  - emaciation, anorexia
  - distended abdomen