Introduction
Visit cardiac emergencies in dogs and cats are critical situations requiring rapid, appropriate treatment to save patients’ lives. Conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF)pericardial pericardial effusions and arrhythmias can cause severe symptoms such as dyspnea, collapse or pulmonary edema. This article focuses on the different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to managing cardiac emergencies in veterinary medicine.
Congestive heart failure (CHF): Symptoms and management
L’congestive heart failure is a frequent cause of emergency in dogs and cats. It manifests itself as an inability of the heart to pump efficiently, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or abdomen (ascites).
Clinical signs of CHF
The most common signs of CHF in dogs and cats include:
- Dyspnea or tachypnea Difficulty or acceleration of breathing.
- Persistent cough (especially in dogs).
- Rapid fatigue or effort intolerance.
- Breathing effort with a tense neck.
- Fainting spells or collapse in advanced cases.
Immediate Care
Managing a CCI crisis involves rapidly reducing fluid accumulation and stabilizing the animal:
- Furosemide (Lasix) Furosemide: A diuretic administered in aggressive doses to eliminate excess fluid. In critical situations, furosemide is administered as an IV bolus for rapid effect.
- Vasodilators Drugs such as nitroprusside and nitroglycerin are used to reduce the cardiac load in cases of severe pulmonary edema. Careful monitoring of blood pressure is essential to avoid excessive hypotension.
- Pimobendane A positive inotropic agent and vasodilator, used to improve heart contractility.
- Oxygen therapy Patients in respiratory distress may benefit from oxygen therapy to stabilize their condition.
Pericardial Effusion: Diagnosis and Emergency Treatment
L’pericardial effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, causing compression of the heart muscle (cardiac tamponade). Common causes include neoplasms such as hemangiosarcoma, or idiopathic causes.
Clinical signs
Dogs and cats with pericardial effusion may present :
- Collapse sudden or severe lethargy.
- Tachycardia.
- Distension of the jugular veins.
- Pale mucous membranes with capillary refill time filling time.
Treatment : Pericardiocentesis
Emergency treatment consists of a pericardiocentesis to remove accumulated fluid and relieve pressure on the heart:
- The animal is placed in lateral decubitusand a catheter is inserted into the pericardial space using ultrasound.
- Continuous monitoring by ECG is crucial during the procedure to detect any potential arrhythmia.
- The fluid sample is sent for cytological analysis and, if a tumor is suspected, further tests are performed.
Arrhythmias: Stabilization and Treatment Options
The cardiac arrhythmias are heart rhythm disorders that can lead to collapse or heart failure. In dogs atrial fibrillation is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias, often associated with advanced heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy.
Clinical signs
Dogs with atrial fibrillation may present :
- Irregular tachycardia.
- Weak pulses or absent.
- Difficult breathing with pulmonary crackles.
Treatment of arrhythmias
Treatment is aimed at stabilizing the heart rate and preventing the onset of new episodes:
- Diltiazem A calcium channel blocker used to control heart rate.
- Digoxin A drug that helps control heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation.
- In severe cases electrical cardioversion may be considered to restore normal sinus rhythm.
Conclusion
The management of cardiac emergencies in dogs and cats requires a rapid, coordinated approach to stabilizing critically ill patients. Treatments such as diuretics, vasodilators and inotropes are often required to reduce cardiac overload and improve cardiac function. Performing a pericardiocentesis or management of arrhythmia can be vital in saving an animal in cardiac distress.
