Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a progressive primary disease of the heart muscle, particulary the right ventricle. It usually affects middle age dogs and is marked by infiltration of fat and scar tissue within the right ventricle, right atrium, and occasionally the left heart. ARVC is a familial disease in the Boxer. A genetic mutation (striatin) has been shown to be associated with ARVC however, a causative mutation has yet to be found. Some dogs with the mutation may have the disease and some may not.
Screening breeding populations of Boxers still typically require Holter recordings and echocardiograms as the genetic test for the mutation is not predictive of the presence of disease or its severity.
This disease has also been termed, Boxer cardiomyopathy, as the disease is most prevalent in this breed. However, the disease has also been found in English Bulldogs and cats. The disease can present itself with electrical abnormalities (arrhythmias) and/or structural/functional abnormalities (right or left ventricular/atrial dilation).
Dogs with this disease classically show signs of collapse (syncope) often triggered by episodes of excitement/exercise. However, some dogs have no signs but have evidence of abnormal heart rhythms. In contrast, other dogs will have clinical manifestations (highlight and link the word clinical manifestations) of heart failure with severe structural/functional changes to the heart.
The prognosis is variable and dependent upon the stage of the disease. The goals of therapy are aimed at controlling the arrhythmias with adjustments to anti-arrhythmic medications and frequent Holter monitoring (24 hour ECG).
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Screening breeding populations of Boxers still typically require Holter recordings and echocardiograms as the genetic test for the mutation is not predictive of the presence of disease or its severity.
This disease has also been termed, Boxer cardiomyopathy, as the disease is most prevalent in this breed. However, the disease has also been found in English Bulldogs and cats. The disease can present itself with electrical abnormalities (arrhythmias) and/or structural/functional abnormalities (right or left ventricular/atrial dilation).
Dogs with this disease classically show signs of collapse (syncope) often triggered by episodes of excitement/exercise. However, some dogs have no signs but have evidence of abnormal heart rhythms. In contrast, other dogs will have clinical manifestations (highlight and link the word clinical manifestations) of heart failure with severe structural/functional changes to the heart.
The prognosis is variable and dependent upon the stage of the disease. The goals of therapy are aimed at controlling the arrhythmias with adjustments to anti-arrhythmic medications and frequent Holter monitoring (24 hour ECG).
Back