Vol. 11, Special Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
Swagat Mohapatra, Shivani Das, Ambika Prasad Khadanga Mahapatra, Lipika Priyadarsini, Ritun Patra, Nirupama Dalai and Geeta Rani Jena

Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases in animals have spiked manifolds in recent past emanating predominantly from diet, genetic factors and stress. Ascites is referred to as accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity. Etiology of ascites in companion animals includes left-sided heart failure, congestive heart failure, hypoproteinemia, cirrhosis, hepatic diseases, renal diseases, tuberculosis, ancylostomiasis etc. The study highlights the electrocardiographic abnormalities in dogs suffering from ascites of cardiac origin having normal liver function, kidney function and protein concentration. Labrador Retriever dogs aged between 5 to 10 years presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, C.V.Sc. and A.H., O.U.A.T., Bhubaneswar, Odisha with distended abdomen were screened. Diagnosis of ascites was based on clinical symptoms, tactile percussion of abdomen and classical ground glass appearance in radiograph. Blood samples were collected from the dogs and serum samples were processed for liver function test (LFT), kidney function test (KFT), total protein (TP) concentration and albumin (A) concentration. The dogs having values of LFT, KFT, TP and A within normal range were subjected to electrocardiography (n=12). A twelve-lead standard ECG recorder, Maestros MRX-12 was used to record ECG. The electrocardiograph was set with a paper speed of 25 mm per sec and sensitivity of 1 (1 cm = 1 mV). The electrocardiograms were analysed. Atrial fibrillation (P wave absent with tachycardia) was observed in two out of twelve electrocardiograms. Arrhythmia characterized by irregular RR intervals was reported in three out of twelve cases. Low voltage ECG (decreased amplitude of R wave) with left axis deviation was interpreted in three out of twelve cases indicating left ventricular enlargement. Two out of twelve electrocardiograms had notable ST segment elevation indicating myocardial injury. R wave greater than 2.5 mV featured in two out of twelve electrocardiograms suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy. The results of the study will aid the veterinarians in diagnosis and treatment of ascites in dogs.