Subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision for treatment of coccidioidomycosis-induced effusive-constrictive pericarditis in dogs: 17 cases (1999-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the history, clinicopathologic findings, and results of surgery for effusive-constrictive pericarditis associated with Coccidioides immitis infection in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
17 client-owned dogs that underwent a subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision.


METHODS
Hospital records from May 1999 to June 2003 were reviewed. Data collected included history, clinicopathologic findings, treatments, and outcome. Follow-up information was obtained via recheck examination and by use of standardized telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and owners.


RESULTS
All dogs were of large breeds, and most were male (mean age, 4.66 years). Ten dogs had no prior history of C. immitis infection, and 7 dogs had chronic infection with C. immitis. Having a chronic C. immitis infection reduced the odds of survival, compared with no previous infection. All dogs had clinical signs of right-sided heart failure. All dogs had serum titers (range, 1:8 to 1:256) for antibodies against C. immitis prior to surgery, and titers were not significantly associated with outcome. Predominant echocardiographic findings were thickened pericardium, reduced right ventricular filling, and pleural or pericardial effusion. All dogs underwent a subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision and had fibrosing pyogranulomatous pericarditis in biopsy specimens obtained during surgery. The perioperative mortality rate was 23.5%, and the 2-year postdischarge survival rate was 82%.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment via subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision is successful at relieving right-sided heart failure in dogs with effusive-constrictive pericarditis secondary to C. immitis infection, but long-term treatment with antifungal agents may still be required.
Heinritz
Chris K
CK
Sonora Veterinary Specialists, 4015 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032, USA.
Gilson
Stephen D
SD
Soderstrom
Mark J
MJ
Robertson
Thomas A
TA
Gorman
Stephanie C
SC
Boston
Ray C
RC
D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D003045:Coccidioides; D003047:Coccidioidomycosis / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010492:Pericardiectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010496:Pericardium / Q000601:surgery; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis