1. POST MORTEM ON A DOG
Died date: 08/03/2014
Necropsy date: 10/03/14
OWNERS DETAILS
Owner: Amisi Mwandezi
Address: 50/50 Chunga
CARCASS/BODY IDENTIFICATION (SIGNALMENT)
Species: Canine Sex: Male
Breed: Great Dane Age: Adult
General body condition: Poor Color: Dominant Black
CLINICAL HISTORY
The dog was noticed 2 weeks before presentation to UNZA VET clinic. It was presented to the
clinic with lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite and fever (temperature 40.1 degrees Celsius). On
histopathology, there were nucleated erythrocytes, hypochromasia, low packed cell volume
(PCV), decubitus wounds on prominent bones and no blood parasites were seen. The dog was put
on Dexycycline PO BID for 5 days, B complex for 3 days, ferrous sulphate PO SID and Haem-up
5ml PO. The dog died 3 days later.
POST MORTEM FINDINGS
 Enlarged heart (with thickened and blunting left ventricular muscles)
 Flabby right cardiac muscles
 Blood clots in the left ventricle
 Haemorrhagic chicken fat on aortic and pulmonary valves
 Congested and oedematous left lung, liver (with blunting and distended gall bladder) kidney
and trachea
 Two masses in the upper oesophagus containing Spirocerca lupi and intima plaques in the
aorta.
 Adhesions of left lung lobes to seven ribs
 Erosion of gastric mucosa
 Ulceration of gastro-intestinal tract
 Enlarged prostate gland with markedly distended urinary bladder

2. DIAGNOSIS
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
DISCUSSION
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the inability of the heart to provide adequate circulation to meet
the body’s needs. It is the end result of a weakened heart muscle. The health of the liver, kidneys,
lungs, and other organs is impaired by the circulatory failure, resulting in a problem involving
multiple organs. A diseased heart can compensate for many months or years without signs of
failure. When failure does occur, it may appear suddenly and unexpectedly-somet imes
immediately after strenuous exercise, when the heart is unable to keep up with the body’s demands
(Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008)
CHF in dogs is mostly caused by Heartworms- Dirofilaria immitis (wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirofilaria
immitis), Bacterial endocarditis, and some forms of congenital heart diseases; chronicvalvular
diseases with mitral regurgitation in small dogs and in large-breed dogs i.e. the Great Dane it is
caused by dilated cardiomyopathy.
Because the heart no longer pumps effectively, blood backs up in the lungs, liver, legs, and other
organs. Increased pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak into the lungs and peritoneal cavity.
Fluid in the lungs is the cause of the coughing. A rapid accumulation of fluid in the small airways
can cause the dog to cough up a bubbly red fluid, a condition called pulmonary edema. Pulmonar y
edema indicates failure of the left ventricle. In the late stages of congestive heart failure the dog
sits with his elbows spread and his head extended. Breathing is labored. The pulse is rapid, thready,
and often irregular. The mucous membranes of the gums and tongue are bluish-gray and cool. A
thrill may be felt over the chest. Fainting can occur with stress or exertion
(www.healthcommunities.com/congestive-heart-failure/diagnosis.shtml)
The early signs of congestive heart failure are tiring easily, a decrease in activity level, and
intermittent coughing (The coughing occurs during periods of exertion or excitation). These early
signs are nonspecific and may even be considered normal for the dog’s age. As heart failure
progresses the dog develops other signs, such as lack of appetite, rapid breathing, abdominal
swelling, and a marked loss of weight.
Accurate diagnosis is established through chest X-rays, ECG, echocardiography, and other tests
(such as a heartworm antigen test). During physical examination, the physician looks for an
underlying cause and assesses heart function. A stethoscope is used to detect abnormal heart
sounds (murmurs) that may indicate a leaky or narrowed (stenotic) valve, and to detect fluid
accumulation in the lungs. The physician also looks for enlarged (distended) veins in the neck and
for swelling (edema) in the legs (particularly the ankles and feet) and/or the abdomen
Treatment of congestive heart failure involves feeding the dog a low-salt diet, restricting exercise,
and giving appropriate medications to increase heart function and prevent cardiac arrhythmias
(Lidocaine, Procainamide, Propafenone, Propranolol, Quinidine, Sotalol) It is also important to
correct any underlying cause whenever possible. Heartworms, bacterial endocarditis, and some
forms of congenital heart disease are potentially curable if they are treated before the heart is
damaged (Miller E.S, 1960).

3. REFERENCES
 http://www.healthcommunities.com/congestive-heart-failure/diagnosis.shtml
 http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/congestive-heart-failure-dogs
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirofilaria_immitis
 Miller E.S, (1960), A Textbook of Clinical Pathology, 6th Edition, The Williams and Wilkins
Company
 Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.