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Familial aortic aneurysm in Leonberg dogs
Valérie Chetboul1, Dominique Tessier, Nicolas Borenstein
1Unité de Cardiologic d'Alfort, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 31, 2003
Summary
A familial thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed in a young Leonberg dog, linked to genetic factors. This condition, characterized by aortic wall defects, was also observed in the sire and a littermate, suggesting a hereditary basis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Canine Genetics
- Aortic Diseases
Background:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms are rare in dogs.
- Genetic predispositions are often implicated in cardiovascular diseases.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old male Leonberg dog presented with a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- Imaging revealed a twisted ascending aorta and dilated thoracic arteries.
- Histopathology showed cystic medial necrosis and fibrillin-1 disruption.
Findings:
- The sire and one littermate also had ascending aortic aneurysms.
- This suggests a familial pattern of aortic aneurysm in this dog breed.
- Cystic medial necrosis is a key histopathological finding.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of familial aortic aneurysm in dogs.
- Highlights the importance of genetic screening in Leonbergers with cardiovascular abnormalities.
- Informs future research into the genetic basis of aortic diseases in canines.