Case 1 — Two-Dimensional Echocardiograms

Right parasternal long-axis view

Right parasternal long-axis echocardiographic view showing small pericardial effusion (PE) and moderate pleural effusion (PL) with a morphologically normal heart

Right parasternal short-axis view

Right parasternal short-axis echocardiographic view showing small pericardial effusion (PE) and moderate pleural effusion (PL)

The echocardiograms show a small amount of pericardial effusion (PE) and a moderate amount of pleural effusion (PL). The heart itself appears normal. The hepatic veins were distended on an abdominal ultrasound exam meaning that systemic venous pressure is increased. LV — left ventricular cavity; RV — right ventricular cavity; LA — left atrial cavity; RA — right atrial cavity.

Two-dimensional echocardiogram from another dog with the same disease

Quiz

1. Hepatic venous enlargement due to elevated systemic venous pressure is indicative of:

2. The fact that systemic venous pressure appears to be increased coupled with the presence of a small amount of pericardial effusion and no evidence of right heart disease suggests:

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