Clinical signs, physical findings, and hematobiochemical changes in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

The present study was undertaken with the objective to record the clinical signs, physical examination findings of dog affected with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and to compare the hematobiochemical findings between control group and DCM group presented at the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand during the period of July 2023 to July 2024. The study was conducted on 25 dogs, regardless of age, breed, and sex. Nineteen dogs affected by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were included in the DCM group, while six healthy dogs were included in the control. Among the 19 dogs studied for DCM, the highest recorded clinical signs were exercise intolerance, inappetence, and lethargy in all cases (100%, n = 19, each), followed by coughing (68.42%, n = 13), abdominal distention and laboured breathing (52.63%, n = 10, each), Pedal oedema (10.52%, n = 2) and syncope (5.26%, n = 1). Additionally, the highest recorded physical examination findings in DCM group were Tachycardia (68.42%, n = 13), followed by dyspnoea (63.15%, n = 12), Ascites (52.63%, n = 10), pale mucous membranes (36.64%, n = 7), Crackles and gallop rhythm (21.05%, n = 4 each). The mean value of Rectal Temperature did not differ significantly between two groups. Whereas respiration rate and heart rate were increased significantly in DCM group as compared to control group. The mean value of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC) and platelets were significantly decreased in DCM group as compared to control group but within the normal range. Whereas the mean value of total leukocyte count (TLC) was significantly increased in DCM group as compared to control group. The mean value of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and serum ALT were significantly higher in DCM group as compared to control group. However, the value of serum creatinine and serum ALT were within normal limits in both groups except blood urea nitrogen.