Quality of Life Score as a Predictor of Death in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Abstract

BackgroundThe knowledge of the variables predicting mortality is important in clinical practice and for therapeutic monitoring in mitral valve disease.ObjectivesTo determine whether a quality of life score evaluated with the Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health questionnaire would predict mortality in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD).MethodsThirty-six client-owned dogs with mitral valve disease underwent clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic evaluations at baseline and were monitored for 6 months. Cardiovascular death was the primary outcome.ResultsThe 36 dogs were classified as survivors or nonsurvivors. Higher values of the following variables were obtained at baseline in the nonsurviving group (12 dogs): amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, plasma norepinephrine, heart rate, quality of life score, diastolic left ventricular internal dimension to aortic root ratio, systolic left ventricular internal dimension to aortic root ratio, and left atrium to aortic root ratio. NT-proBNP levels and quality life score were independently associated with death in the multivariable analysis.ConclusionThe quality life score was an independent variable for cardiac death in dogs with DMVD. This result is encouraging, as this score is easy to apply and does not require any technology, only a veterinarian and an observant owner.

Machine Learning Techniques for Canine Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease Classification: Integrating Anamnesis, Quality of Life Survey, and Physical Examination

“…As MMVD advances, FETCH-Q scores typically rise, and owners’ responses to questions during the anamnesis process also increase as clinical signs emerge or worsen in patients. These findings are consistent with previous studies [ 7 , 22 ]. The FETCH-Q survey contributes to dog classification to varying degrees.…”

“…A structured consultation comprised four distinct parts: a quality of life survey [ 7 , 22 ], anamnesis, a comprehensive physical examination, and an echocardiography examination, all conducted on the same day and with the same patient. The patient’s medical history was meticulously documented, and the owner was asked about specific clinical signs in the previous two weeks, such as cough, dyspnoea, syncope, exercise intolerance, hypoxia/anorexia, or weight loss.…”

“…However, their application in veterinary cardiology, especially for patient consultation, is still in its early stages [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. A previous study demonstrated the usefulness of quality of life surveys in predicting outcomes in dogs with MMVD [ 22 ]. In addition, a recent study has shown the ability of machine learning techniques to classify patients affected by MMVD using thoracic radiographs [ 21 ].…”

Evre B2 Dejeneratif Mitral Kapak Hastalığı Olan Anadolu Çoban Köpeklerinde Sistol-sonu Duvar Stresi/Sistol-sonu Hacim İndeks Oranı İle Sistolik Fonksiyonun Değerlendirilmesi

“…The level of ESWS/ESV-I ratio distribution for the control dogs, B1 dogs, and B2 dogs. There was no overlap for the ESWS/ ESV-I ratio among the groups, and the ESWS/ESV-I ratio did separate the groups alone NT-proBNP secreted predominantly from the ventricle is elevated in response to cardiac remodelling [14,15] . In our study, NT-proBNP levels (the B2 dogs: 2985±218 pmol/L (1250-4300 pmol/L), the B1 dogs: 1588±212 pmol/L (900-4650 pmol/L) and the control dogs: 759±47 pmol/L (250-2050 pmol/L) were irrespectively correlated with ESWS/ ESV-I ratio (Table 1).…”

Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review

“…Unlike in cats, tools that assess the well-being of dogs have been the subject of several studies [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. In addition, evaluation tools have been developed to assess the behaviour of dogs in terms of its prediction in the home environment of the new owner.…”