Spontaneous cor pulmonale in laboratory beagles.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Cardiology
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Cor pulmonale (right heart failure) is a significant concern in animal research colonies.
• Pulmonary hypertension is a key pathological finding in cor pulmonale.
• Understanding disease patterns in research animals is crucial for welfare and study integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the incidence, clinical presentation, and pathological findings of cor pulmonale in a beagle research colony.
• To identify any seasonal patterns or familial predispositions to the condition.
• To characterize the mortality and morbidity associated with cor pulmonale in affected dogs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 176 cases of cor pulmonale observed over 18 years in a beagle colony.
• Clinical examination of affected dogs, including assessment of physical signs, radiography, and electrocardiography.
• Postmortem examination to confirm pathological evidence of cor pulmonale and associated organ damage.

Main Results:

• Cor pulmonale was diagnosed in nearly 1% of young beagles, with 176 cases over 18 years.
• The disease predominantly affected dogs between September and April, with high mortality (96%) by 5 weeks of age.
• Clinical signs included stunted growth, edema, dyspnea, cyanosis; postmortem findings revealed right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary artery medial hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

• Cor pulmonale is a serious condition in this beagle colony, characterized by high mortality and specific clinical and pathological signs.
• The observed seasonality and familial occurrences suggest potential environmental or genetic contributing factors.
• The specific etiology of cor pulmonale in this population remains undetermined, warranting further investigation.