SCREENING FOR HEART DISEASE

Adult-Onset Heart Disease

Screening Examination

The screening examination includes a cardiovascular physical examination and a complete thoracic auscultation (listening to the chest with a stethoscope). Dogs with early or mild stages of adult-onset heart disease may have a completely normal physical examination. If the screening examination is normal, further diagnostic studies may be warranted to increase the level of confidence that the dog is normal. If the screening examination is abnormal, a tentative diagnosis may be made, but the definitive diagnosis requires other studies.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The standard electrocardiogram is used to assess the electrical activation of the heart. It consists of a 6 (minimum) lead recording and a 2 minute rhythm strip. Ventricular arrhythmias are common in dogs afflicted with DCM or inherited arrhythmias, however, the standard electrocardiogram may be normal in these dogs for several reasons. The frequency of ventricular arrhythmias are highly variable and may not occur during the short time of the evaluation. Also, not all dogs with DCM have ventricular arrhythmias. Likewise, the mere presence of a few ventricular premature beats does not constitute the diagnosis of DCM or inherited arrhythmias. The more complex and frequent the arrhythmia, the more likely that disease is present. In general, the ECG does not negate or preclude other diagnostic studies, it simply adds to the overall characterization of the disorder. In some situations, the results of the ECG may indicate a greater risk for sudden death in an individual patient.

Holter Monitor (24 Hr Ambulatory ECG)

The Holter monitor is a special digital ECG that is recorded for 24-48 hours . The recording is then evaluated off-line with the aide of specialized computer software. The advantage of the Holter monitor is that the ECG can be evaluated for a much longer period of time than the standard ECG making it more likely to detect abnormal events. Interpretation is similar to the standard ECG. 

Ultrasound Examination (Echocardiography)

The ultrasound examination includes a complete anatomical, functional and Doppler evaluation of the heart and is intended to provide a definitive diagnosis of adult-onset heart disease. However, a normal echocardiogram only indicates that the dog does not have adult-onset heart disease at the time of the examination. The patient may still develop adult-onset heaert disease in the future. Also, subtle variations from normal may be difficult to discriminate from early or occult forms

Certification Classes (Results)

Normal: normal examination

Equivocal: adult-onset heart disease cannot be diagnosed nor excluded

Abnormal: examination indicative of adult-onset heart disease

Screening Schedule

Annual exams are recommended and are required for the ACVIM/OFA Advanced Cardiac Database.

Congenital Heart Disease 

Screening Examination

The screening examination includes a cardiovascular physical examination and a complete thoracic auscultation (listening to the chest with a stethoscope). The importance of evaluating for heart murmurs after exercise is currently unresolved. MVVC will examine dogs after exercise only at the request of the owner/agent of the animal. If the screening examination is normal, no further diagnostic studies are recommended. If the screening examination is abnormal, a tentative diagnosis may be made, but the definitive diagnosis generally requires other diagnostic studies.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The standard electrocardiogram is used to assess the electrical activation of the heart. It consists of a 6 (minimum) lead recording and a 2 minute rhythm strip. An ECG is only indicated if an irregular rhythm is detected during the physical examination.

Holter Monitor (24 Hr Ambulatory ECG)

The Holter monitor is a special digital ECG that is recorded for 24-48 hours . The recording is then evaluated off-line with the aide of specialized computer software. A Holter monitor is indicated if an irregular rhythm is detected during the physical examination or in breeds predisposed to inherited arrhythmias.

Ultrasound Examination

The ultrasound examination includes a complete anatomical, functional and Doppler evaluation of the heart and is intended to provide a definitive diagnosis of a congenital cardiac abnormality.

Certification Classes (Results)

Normal: normal examination in a dog older than 12 months of age

Provisional: normal examination in a dog younger than 12 months of age

Equivocal: congenital heart disease cannot be diagnosed nor excluded

Abnormal: examination indicative of congenital heart disease

Screening Schedule

Only a single examination is required - after 12 months of age. Prelimenary exams can be done in younger dogs.