Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Echocardiographic Characterization of Left Ventricular Structure, Function, and Coronary Flow in Neonate Mice
07:55

Echocardiographic Characterization of Left Ventricular Structure, Function, and Coronary Flow in Neonate Mice

Published on: April 7, 2022

3.7K

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular systolic function in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular

S M Cunningham1, B D Aona2, K Antoon1

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA, USA, 01536.

Journal of Veterinary Cardiology : the Official Journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology
|August 25, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) show reduced right ventricular (RV) systolic function, specifically in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S' velocity. These measures can help distinguish ARVC-affected Boxers from healthy controls.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Canine Health

Background:

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a significant cardiac condition in Boxer dogs.
  • Longitudinal right ventricular (RV) systolic function is crucial for assessing cardiac health.
  • Previous studies have explored RV function markers in various dog breeds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare RV systolic function measures between Boxers with ARVC and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the relationship between RV function markers and factors like age, weight, gender, arrhythmia, and left ventricular (LV) function in Boxers.
  • To determine the diagnostic utility of specific RV function parameters in identifying ARVC in Boxers.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective echocardiographic study involving 50 client-owned Boxer dogs.
  • Measurement of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and lateral tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S') in three groups: healthy controls, Boxers with ARVC and normal LV function, and Boxers with ARVC and reduced LV function.
  • Statistical analysis including group comparisons and correlation analyses.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in TAPSE and S' were observed between Boxers with ARVC and healthy controls (p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively).
  • Correlations were found between left heart size/function and TAPSE/S'.
  • No correlations were found between RV function parameters and age, gender, or body weight in this Boxer population. TAPSE and S' demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.77 for distinguishing ARVC-affected Boxers.

Conclusions:

  • Boxer dogs diagnosed with ARVC exhibit diminished RV systolic function, indicated by reduced TAPSE and S'.
  • TAPSE and S' are effective echocardiographic markers for differentiating ARVC in Boxer dogs.
  • Unlike in mixed-breed populations, body weight was not correlated with RV function markers in this homogeneous group of Boxers.
Abstract

Keywords:
ArrhythmiaCanineCardiacRight ventricle

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography06:34

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

4.7K
Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Anatomy and Function in Adult Rats08:09

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Anatomy and Function in Adult Rats

Published on: December 13, 2019

22.9K

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
574
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
575
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
496
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
552
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
459
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
611