Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common form of cardiomyopathy in cats, and heart failure occurs as diastolic dysfunction progresses. HCM in cats is broadly classified as non-obstructive and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, depending on the presence or absence of outflow tract obstruction. Measurement of the intraventricular pressure differences (IVPD) using color M-mode (CMM) has attracted attention as a reliable diastolic index as it correlates with catheterization, the gold standard for the assessment of diastolic performance. Because IVPD is affected by the size of the heart, the intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) index, which is unaffected by heart size, is by calculated by dividing IVPD by LV length. In the present study, CMM IVPG was used to non-invasively assess diastolic impairment in cats with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This study was conducted on 10 control cats and 18 cats in the HCM group. Although no severe left atrial enlargement was observed in the HCM group, the basal IVPG was significantly increased in the HOCM group compared to the control group. Although IVPD typically suggests impaired diastolic function and reduced ventricular compliance, the significant increase observed in the HOCM group compared to controls may suggest an indirect elevation in left atrial pressure, likely secondary to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The increase in IVPG in HOCM, as shown in this study, is a pathological effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction that cannot be detected by conventional echocardiographic indices, and evaluating IVPG is useful to evaluate cardiac function from a perspective that differs from conventional methods.
A 2-month-old Shiba Inu was presented to an emergency veterinary clinic with decreased activity and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension secondary to a ventricular septal defect. The dog was referred to the TUAT Veterinary Medical Center for further evaluation. During treatment, a diverticulum was incidentally identified at the apex of the left ventricle. While the diverticulum caused no clinical symptoms, a cardiac synchronous computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to accurately assess its anatomical location and size. This case highlights the value of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing complex congenital cardiac anomalies.
Background: Right heart failure (RHF) in dogs is marked by pathological fluid redistribution and extracellular fluid (ECF) accumulation, which intensifies cardiac work-load and disrupts systemic homeostasis. This study aimed to validate the clinical utility of phase angle (PhA), a key biomarker derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), as a non-invasive and real-time indicator of fluid distribution abnormalities in canine RHF. PhA reflects cellular integrity and fluid balance, making it a promising tool for detecting ECF accumulation, one of the hallmark features of RHF. Additionally, the study assessed the feasibility and clinical applicability of the InBody M20 device in veterinary cardiology, supporting its potential role in monitoring and managing fluid-related complications in dogs with RHF. Methods: A total of 110 canine patients presenting to the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Veterinary Hospital were enrolled and categorized into three groups: right-sided heart failure (RHF), left-sided heart failure (LHF), and healthy controls. Phase angle (PhA) was measured using the InBody M20 device, and plasma osmolality (OSM) was also assessed. Additionally, the effects of body weight and age on PhA values were analyzed to account for potential confounding factors. Results: Dogs in the RHF group exhibited significantly lower phase angle (PhA) values and higher plasma osmolality (OSM) compared to those in the LHF and control groups. A strong positive correlation was observed between PhA and OSM (r = 0.9211, p < 0.0001). Additionally, PhA measured at 5 kHz demonstrated a significant negative correlation with body weight (r = –0.4536, p = 0.0007), while PhA at 50 kHz showed a significant negative correlation with age (r = –0.3219, p = 0.0176). Conclusions: PhA is a reliable and non-invasive biomarker for assessing extracellular fluid accumulation and diagnosing right heart failure in dogs. Its strong correlation with plasma osmolality, as well as its associations with body weight and age, highlights its clinical relevance for comprehensive fluid status evaluation. The findings support the feasibility and applicability of using the InBody M20 device in veterinary cardiology to monitor and manage fluid-related complications in canine patients.
Undifferentiated sarcoma is a malignant tumor characterized by the absence of a distinct cellular origin, as determined by morphological and immunohistochemical analyses, and is known for its highly invasive and proliferative behavior
In human medicine, the 2025 International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification distinguishes localized lymphatic malformations from systemic disorders referred to as complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs), including generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) and central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA). GLA is characterized by multifocal proliferation of dilated lymphatic channels infiltrating soft tissues and visceral organs, whereas CCLA involves structural or functional abnormalities of the central lymphatic pathways such as the thoracic duct commonly resulting in chylous effusion. Reports of systemic lymphatic disease in veterinary species are exceedingly rare. A five-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat presented with progressive dyspnea and was diagnosed with chylothorax and chylous ascites. Computed tomography (CT) revealed contrast leakage from both the thoracic duct and aortic hiatus, along with diffuse subcutaneous edema, indicating a systemic lymphatic disorder. Histopathology demonstrated proliferative lymphatic channels within the subcutaneous tissues, consistent with GLA, while imaging findings suggested concurrent CCLA, supporting classification as an overlapping CLA phenotype. Despite medical and surgical interventions, the cat developed progressive edema and recurrent pleural effusion and ultimately died. This case demonstrates that cats can develop systemic lymphatic disorders analogous to human CLAs and highlights the diagnostic value of CT lymphangiography. Furthermore, it underscores the utility of applying the ISSVA classification to enhance comparative understanding of lymphatic diseases in veterinary medicine.
Tumors originating from the uterine tube are exceedingly rare in dogs, with limited clinical and therapeutic data available. This report illustrates a case of a uterine tube adenoma in a one-year-and-two-month-old intact female Pomeranian presented with severe abdominal distension. Diagnostic imaging revealed a large abdominal mass compressing the left kidney, suspected to originate from the female reproductive organs. Surgical excision of the mass, accompanied by ovariohysterectomy, was performed without complications. The tumor, measuring 30 cm in diameter and weighing 1.086 kg, accounted for 28% of the dog’s body weight. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of benign uterine tube adenoma with no evidence of vascular invasion. The dog experienced no postoperative complications and remained tumor-free for over 912 days post-surgery. This case highlights the possibility of uterine tube tumors developing even at a young age and reaching significant sizes without overt clinical signs. While diagnostic findings were unable to identify the precise tissue origin, surgical excision was an effective treatment, even for this large-sized tumor. The findings of this case underscore the importance of including uterine tube tumors in differential diagnoses for female reproductive mass lesions. Further case accumulation is necessary to expand our understanding of this rare condition in dogs.