Hallazgos histopatológicos compatibles con enfermedad degenerativa valvular en perros asintomáticos

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the histopathological changes of leaflets compatible with canine chronic valvular heart disease (VHD) in asymptomatic dogs. The samples were obtained from 38 hearts of canines from the Holding and Adoption Pet Center of Bogotá, Colombia, submitted to euthanasia as part of the district canine population control to prevent rabies. Animals were 57.9% males, 42.1% females, mainly mixed breed (n= 21), Poodle (n= 15), Cocker Spaniel (n = 1) and Schnauzer (n= 1). Weight was 7.34 ± 2.44 kg (3-13 kg) and the average age determined by dental evaluation was 7 ± 3 years (2-15 years). The histopathology interpretation was based on the Kogure classification. It was found using hematoxylin-eosin stain that 65.8% of the septal mitral leaflets and 68.4% of the lateral leaflets presented changes compatible with VHD, as well as the 55.3% of the septal leaflets of tricuspid valve and 84.2% of the lateral leaflets. With the alcian blue coloration, indicated to evaluate connective tissue, it was found that 76.3% of the septal leaflets of mitral valve and 76.3% of the lateral leaflets presented changes compatible with VHD. In the same way, when the tricuspid valve was evaluated, it was found that 68.4% of septal leaflets and 65.8% of lateral leaflets presented these changes. This demonstrates that lesions of the valvular apparatus begin before the appearance of murmur, the most frequent sign for this disease. The need of preventive medicine programs to reduce the morbility risk and mortality of this disease, related to ventricular remodeling as consequence of early neurohormonal activation, is emphasized.