Revision Questions Flashcards
(20 cards)
Discuss the pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
The disease causes thickening and enlargement of the heart muscle, namely the ventricular walls.
Limited capacity of ventricular chambers to hold blood and pump it.
Reduced cardiac output = increased strength and rate of contractions.
Further bulking of the heart, backpressure, oedema in lungs/body (congestive heart failure)
Describe the main cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hyperthyroidism
Causes increase in amount of T4 produce which increases HR and as a result the myocardium becomes enlarged
(Also idiopathic, or caused by high BP)
Explain why a heart murmur can be seen as a result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
The mitral valve gets distorted due to the enlarged ventricle muscle and partially blocks the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.
Discuss the aetiology of endocardiosis
Most common acquired heart condition in dogs.
Common in smaller breeds (CKCS, terriers)
Idiopathic
Hereditory in predisposed breeds
Discuss the aetiology of dilated cardiomyopathy
Acquired but genetically predisposed in larger dog breeds (great danes, boxers)
More common in males between 6 - 8 years
Rarely seen in dogs < 15kg but can affect cats
Deficiency in taurine can cause this as it is needed for myocardium construction
Caused by some cancer drugs
Secondary to parvovirus
Discuss the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy
Progressive thinning of myocardium (usually left ventricle)
Build up of pressure in blood vessels due to LV not being able to pump effectively
Fluid escapes to surrounding tissues = pulmonary oedema (LV) or ascites (RV)
Less oxygenated blood received by tissues
Valves stretch = regurgitation of blood and atrial enlargement.
3 clinical signs associated with dilated cardiomyopathy
Pale MMs Lethargy Depression Anorexia Exercise intolerance Sudden death Heart failure Cough (LV) Ascites (RV)
Describe non-regenerative anaemia and list 2 causes
Bone marrow fails to replace RBC that are removed from the circulation at the end of their life span
No regeneration therefore no reticulocytes
Erythropoeisis is affected
Causes: Secondary to disease (FIV/FELV) Lymphosarcoma Malnutrition Hypothyroidism Neoplasia Drug induced Bone marrow disease Toxicity
4 clinical signs of anaemia
Pale MMs Weakness/Exercise intolerance Tachycardia Dyspnoea Collapse Inappetance Tachypnoea Petecchiation Jaundice
Explain the importance of jaundice as a clinical sign of anaemia
Jaundice caused by haemolysis of RBC
Bilirubin is a byproduct of normal RBC breakdown
If haemolysis of RBC is excessive then so is the production of bilirubin
High levels of bilirubin = jaundice
Explain the significance of tachycardia as a clinical sign of anaemia
Tachycardia is caused as the heart attempts to pump faster and increase circulating levels of RBC and aid to maintain O2 levels in tissues
Explain the significant of tachypnoea as a clinical sign of
Caused as a result of reduced haemoglobin levels which reduce the O2 carrying capability of blood.
Increased RR is body’s attempt at maximising O2 levels in lungs and availability to RBCs
Describe a seizure. What is it and why does it happen?
A seizure is a symptom of a brain problem.
They happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
3 clinical signs associated with spinal disease
Abnormal spinal reflexes Weakness Paresis/paralysis Incontinance Reduced proprioception Lordosis/Kyphosis
What are the potential treatment options for spinal disease?
Treat the underlying cause Cage rest Pain management Surgery Meds
Describe what is meant by generalised or partial epilepsy (you may use an example of behavious to illustrate your answer)
Generalised epilepsy is seen in dogs - sudden collapse, loss of awareness, shaking of all 4 limbs, chewing/twitching of the face, U+ and D+
Partial epilepsy is seen in cats - affects part of the body, more difficult to recognise, drooling, eyelid/facial twitch, excessive vocalisation, may progress to generalised seizure.
List potential agents responsible for “cat flu”
Feline herpes virus
Feline Calici virus
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Chlamidophila felis
Discuss the pathophysiology of feline herpes virus
Virus replicates in the tissue of respiratory/ocular systems leading to epithelial necrosis
Secondary bacterial infections can occur as a result of this damage
Can cause dermatological and reproductive signs too
What treatment can be used for feline herpes virus
Symptomatic
Hand feeding
Steam inhalational baths
Bed baths
Name the agent responsible for relapsing conjunctivitis in cats
Chlamidophila felis
