A case report of pulmonary edema associated with left cardiac failure secondary with mitral insufficiency in dog

Abstract

The cardiac left insufficiency with mitral dysfunction is a relevant cardiac pathology with importante repercussion in the lung, leads to pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema corresponds to the accumulation of fluid in the lung parenchyma and alveoli, and can be classified as cardiogenic or non-cardiogenic. Clinical signs and symptoms include presence of dyspnea, cough, tachypnea, and alteration of normal sounds during lung auscultation. In this case report, a 16 year old female Lhasa Apso dog breed was presented to the clinical facility with signals of apathy, hyporexia, cough and dyspnea. After emergency treatment with oxygen therapy to stabilize the respiratory condition, imaging tests (radiography, Doppler echocardiography) were performed, confirming the suspicion of cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to left heart disease. The treatment of cardiac dysfunction was recommended through the use of pimobendan, which has a positive inotropic effect on the heart, and benzepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. These drugs are important to control pulmonary vascular pressure, reducing the risk of developing pulmonary edema. Even though it is a veterinary clinical emergency, cardiogenic pulmonary edema when treated immediately and correctly tends to present a favorable prognosis in affected dogs.