Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast in three dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) is a known marker for thromboembolic disease in humans.
• The presence and significance of SEC in canine cardiology require further elucidation.

Observation:

• SEC was identified in three dogs with concurrent hyperfibrinogenemia.
• Underlying conditions included infective endocarditis, presumptive Evan's syndrome, and presumptive sepsis.
• Dogs received condition-specific therapies and thromboprophylaxis.

Findings:

• All three dogs survived to discharge with good outcomes.
• SEC occurred in the absence of significant cardiomegaly.
• SEC in these cases may be linked to hyperfibrinogenemia.

Implications:

• SEC in dogs may serve as a marker for hyperfibrinogenemia.
• Further research is needed to determine if canine SEC increases the risk of thromboembolic complications.
• This study highlights the importance of considering hyperfibrinogenemia in dogs with SEC.