RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS OF THE 28th ECVIM-CA CONGRESS

Twenty dogs with stage B2 MVD were retrospectively included. Left atrial function was assessed prior to and 1‐6 months after starting pimobendan. For each dog, 2‐dimensional echocardiographs from right parasternal long axis 4 chamber view optimised for the LA was recorded to assess LA diameter and volume (Simpson's method) for each phase of the LA function cycle: at end‐systole, one frame before opening of the mitral valve; immediately before the P wave of the ECG and at end‐diastole, one frame before closure of the mitral valve. Using those variables we assessed complete, passive and active LA function as previously described. Pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW‐TDI) of the left ventricular longitudinal myocardial velocity associated with atrial contraction (A’), both at the level of the interventricular septum and the LV free wall, were also used as an indicator of LA function.