Canine and Feline Cardiology

Lesson 1: Joao Escalda DVM CertAVP(VC) MRCVS

Myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs 

Learning outcomes:

• To understand MMVD pathophysiology
• To recognise the different stages of MMVD and evidence-based treatment according to each stage
• To know the most recent treatment trials in MMVD, e.g. QUEST, EPIC and DELAY
• To be aware of potential complications associated with MMVD

In this first lesson we will discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, staging and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

We will mainly focus on how to diagnose MMVD and the evidence-based treatment of asymptomatic and symptomatic MMVD.

We will present and discuss the most recent clinical trials on MMVD, and give you practical tips on how to approach these patients from the physical examination to imaging findings to treatment of acute and chronic congestive heart failure.

Lesson 2: Catheryn Partington BVSc CertAVP(VC) MSc MRCVS

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy 

Learning outcomes:

• To be aware of the screening tools for pre-clinical DCM, understand when to utilise these and be able to interpret the results.
• To be confident in the approach to diagnosing and treating clinical DCM in practice. 

This lesson will explore the aetiology and pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with focus on important differential diagnoses,

the progression and staging of disease, and breed specific variations. The diagnostic tools available for both screening overtly healthy at-

risk dogs, and diagnosing DCM in clinical cases will be discussed, along with the approach to treatment in each stage of the disease.

There will be an emphasis on evidence-based medicine with discussion of recent advances in the knowledge of canine DCM. 

Lesson 3: Jose Novo Matos DVM PhD DipECVIM (Cardiology) AFHEA MRCVS EBVS® (European and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology)

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 

Learning outcomes:

• To understand classification of cardiomyopathy in cats based on the echocardiographic phenotype
• To be aware of the current staging system for cardiomyopathies in cats
• To know common causes of HCM phenocopies in cats
• To recognize treatment options according to disease stage in HCM

This lesson will focus on the classification, diagnosis, and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats.

The recent ACVIM consensus statement on cardiomyopathies in cats will be discussed. We will also focus on differential diagnosis of thick

left ventricles in cats (HCM phenocopies/mimickers). Finally the therapeutic approach according to each HCM stage will be reviewed.

Lesson 4: Joel Silva DVM DipECVM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS EBVS (European and RCVS recognised specialist in Small Animal Cardiology)

Congenital heart diseases in dogs 

Learning outcomes:

• To understand the clinical relevance of common congenital heart diseases
• To recognise the main clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in dogs with congenital defects
• To be aware of the treatment options available for different congenital diseases 

During the last lesson of the cardiology semester, we will discuss the most common congenital heart diseases in dogs and cats.

We will briefly discuss aspects such as embryology, physiopathology and natural history of different congenital heart diseases and focus on the diagnosis and treatment options for common defects including patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary valve stenosis and aortic stenosis.