2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

The findings of this study suggest that dogs with severe SAS with an AoSA >160°as measured on right sided long axis LVOT echocardiographic imaging respond to CB/HPBV better than dogs with an AoSA <160°. The difference in response to the same procedure by the two sets of dogs suggests that the magnitude of the AoSA does play a role in SAS and its treatment, and it is possible that measurement of the AoSA may be helpful in the screening process and determination of prognosis following CB/HPBV. However, further investigation of the effect of LVOT PG reduction on survival times and quality of life is warranted in order to determine if AoSA is truly a suitable criterion for selecting candidates for CB/HPBV. Cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic and restrictive, are the most common acquired cardiac diseases in cats. Many affected cats develop pulmonary edema secondary to left-sided congestive heart failure (L-CHF). Alternatively, cats with primarily left-sided cardiomyopathy can develop pleural effusion without the presence of pulmonary edema. It is well known, but not well understood, why cats with left-sided CHF can develop both pulmonary edema and pleural effusion. The development of pulmonary hypertension could lead to right-sided heart failure and potentially cause pleural effusion in cats with predominately left-sided cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate for echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension in cats in L-CHF with pleural effusion in comparison to cats with pulmonary edema, other pulmonary disease, and healthy cats.