Journal of Animal Health and Production

Research Article
J. Anim. Health Prod. 9(2): 198-204
Http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.jahp/2021/9.2.198.204
View Full HTML
Download PDF

Yap Kai Sin1, Shanthi Ghanabadi1, Ibrahim Abdul-Azeez Okene1,2*, Amilan Sivagurunathan3, Sivan Ayarhany3

1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia; 2Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri 600244 Maiduguri, Nigeria; 3Animal Medical Centre Sdn Bhd, Wisma Medivet, 8, Jln Tun Razak,50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abstract | Canine cardiac diseases are routinely diagnosed in veterinary practices across Malaysia. The prevalence and distribution of cardiac diseases in dogs are yet to be documented despite the availability of expertise and imaging modalities in Malaysia’s various small animal practices. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of cardiac diseases in dogs in Malaysia using a representative clinic with large caseloads. A three-year retrospective study (2015-2017) was conducted using patient records of 264 dogs from Animal Medical Centre (AMC), Kuala Lumpur. Data involving cardiac conditions and their diagnosis were retrieved and analyzed. Data were presented descriptively in percentages and relationships analyzed using chi-square analysis. Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) accounted for 65.68% of the cardiac conditions affecting dogs and was the most diagnosed condition using Doppler ultrasonography. Generally, age and breed were strongly associated (p<0.001) with cardiac diseases in dogs. Age and breed play important roles in the occurrence of cardiac diseases in dogs in Malaysia. As the dogs grew older, they tended to show clinical signs (p<0.001) of cardiac diseases. Therefore, adequate precautionary measures, including regular check-ups, strategic exercise, and the dietary regime, are needed to detect cardiac diseases, especially in geriatric dogs.

Keywords | Cardiovascular disease, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Dog, Echocardiography, Myxomatous mitral valve disease.