Changes in echocardiographic variables of left ventricular size and function in a model of canine normovolemic anemia.
The objective of this study was to document changes in echocardiographic variables of left ventricular size and function noninvasively during acute normovolemic anemia. This model was developed as a pilot study with the purpose of providing baseline information to investigate the pathophysiology, and more specifically the effect on the heart, of canine babesiosis-induced anemia. The study group comprised of 11 mature healthy Beagle dogs that weighed between 9 and 15 kg. Severe normovolemic anemia was induced over a 3-4-day period by serial bleeding while maintaining normovolemia by autotransfusing plasma and infusing crystalloids. The dogs were then allowed to recover. Preanemic (mean Hct 46.7%, standard deviation [SD] 2.4%) echocardiographic variables of left ventricular performance (Fractional shortening, ejection fraction, end-systolic and end-diastolic ventricular volumes, cardiac index, and heart rate) were compared with those in the severely (mean Hct 15.3%, SD 1.1%), moderately (Hct mean 24.7%, SD 1.5%), and mildly (mean Hct 33.5%, SD 2.5%) anemic states, and between the anemic states. With the exception of end diastolic volume, there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in all variables in the severely anemic state vs. the preanemic and the mild and moderate anemic states. In concordance with previous invasive models, a hyperdynamic state of the left ventricle develops in response to experimentally induced acute canine normovolemic anemia in the conscious dog. Echocardiography has promise as a noninvasive technique of evaluating the cardiac changes in dogs having canine babesiosis.
Spotswood
Tim C
TC
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, 0nderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. ozbroken@yahoo.co.uk
Kirberger
Robert M
RM
Koma
Lee M P K
LM
Thompson
Peter N
PN
Miller
David B
DB
D000740:Anemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*