Risk factors for the development of hepatocardial complications in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis

The paper deals with the problem of the formation and progression of hepatocardial syndrome in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis. A retrospective analysis of a database of 155 electronic medical records of dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis (2005-2022) was carried out. The diagnosis of mitral valve endocardiosis was made in a complex manner, taking into account clinical and anamnestic data, the results of echocardiography, electrocardiography, and hematological studies. Mitral valve endocardiosis was most often recorded in dwarf and small breeds of dogs: dachshunds, spaniels, terriers, chihuahuas, poodles, lap-dogs, miniature schnauzers, miniature pinschers, spitz. The follow-up period averaged 392.6±24.2 days (95 % CI 344.7-440.4), which corresponds to 1.1±0.07 years. Against the background of valvular insufficiency, dogs developed volume overload of the left chambers of the heart, which eventually led to the onset of congestive heart failure. Acute venous stasis of blood in the vessels of the systemic circulation led to liver hypoperfusion, which contributed to the development of secondary hepatopathy (hepatocardial syndrome). It was found that 64 (males - 33, females - 31) out of 155 dogs with endocardiosis had hepatocardial syndrome, which amounted to 41.3 %. Hepatocardial syndrome is manifested by an increase in the serum activity of aspartic and alanine aminotransferases, diffuse changes in the echogenicity of the liver parenchyma and hepatomegaly, dilation of the hepatic veins, caudal vena cava, cachexia. The most important risk factor for the development of hepatocardial syndrome in dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis is the progressive course of congestive circulatory failure. Slowing the progression of heart failure is the most important strategy for preventing the development of hepatocardial complications in animals with primary cardiac diseases.