Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and their therapeutic management in a Lhasa apso dog

Abstract

Case history and observation: A male, 3 years old Lhasa Apso dog was presented with the history of haematemesis, dehydration, exercise intolerance, poor appetite, lethargy, cough, seizures and syncope for more than 3 weeks. Lateral roentgenogram revealed enlarged heart. Based on radiographic examination alongwith history of seizures and syncope the condition was diagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment: The dog was treated with oral diltiazem @ 1.5 mg/kg body weight, ramipril @ 0.5 mg/kg body weight and frusemide @ 2 mg/kg body weight orally along with fluid therapy. Clinical improvement was noticed from third day. Improvement in appetite and physical activity with complete alleviation of clinical signs was observed by continued diltiazem (1.5 mg/kg, orally) and ramipril (0.5 mg/kg). Result: It was reported that the dog continued to improve and became much brighter and active over next 25 days. Post treatment radiograph showed nearly normal size of the heart suggestive of clinical recovery. Conclusion: Thus it is conclude that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be comfortably managed by medicinal therapy in canines.