Longitudinal tissue Doppler imaging of LA deformation was feasible in healthy dogs, and its application may be useful for understanding atrial pathophysiologic changes associated with various cardiac diseases in dogs.

Background: Left atrial (LA) function is an important determinant of the left ventricular (LV) filling, playing a key role in maintaining optimal cardiac performance. Pimobendan is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor with positive inotropic and vasodilator effects. The present study aims to investigate the effects of pimobendan on LA function in dogs with stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Aim: The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of pimobendan on LA function in dogs with preclinical MMVD. Methods: Twenty-seven dogs with stage B2 MMVD were retrospectively included. LA function was assessed before and 1-6 months following pimobendan initiation. For each dog, two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography was performed to assess LA diameter and volume for each phase of the LA cycle and to assess complete, passive, and active LA function. Pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (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, was also used as an indicator of LA function. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the left atrial variables pre-and posttreatment. Conclusion: Echocardiographic estimates of LA function by 2D diameters and volumes and TDI A' in dogs with MMVD do not change after treatment with pimobendan.

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This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a 6-month-old cat, causing left-sided congestive heart failure. This congenital heart defect, rarely reported in the cat, was diagnosed during investigation of a loud, continuous heart murmur, exercise intolerance, tachypnoea and dyspnoea. The cat was started on medical treatment for congestive heart failure and underwent surgical closure of the PDA once optimal control of the heart failure had been achieved. The cat recovered well from the surgery, with no major complications and gradual resolution of the clinical signs. The cat was reported to be fully recovered following discontinuation of heart failure treatment 1 month after the surgery, and to be stable 4 months after surgery. This case report alerts the clinician to consider PDA within the list of differential diagnosis in a kitten with a continuous heart murmur, and demonstrates that surgical correction of this defect can be associated with an excellent prognosis.