Echocardiographic Characteristics and Main Pulmonary Artery/Aorta Ratio of Dogs with Tracheabronchitis

Authors : Gencay Ekinci, Celil Bendeş
Pages : 123-134
Doi:10.30607/kvj.1581546
View : 96 | Download : 82
Publication Date : 2025-06-27
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :An acute or chronic inflammation of the trachea and bronchial airways, which can spread to the lungs, is called tracheobronchitis. Monitoring basic echocardiographic parameters in dogs with tracheobronchitis may be useful in detecting early cardiac signs of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary artery (PA) dilation is one of the cardiac abnormalities associated with pulmonary hypertension. This study aimed to main pulmonary artery diameter and main pulmonary artery (MPA)/aorta (Ao) ratio in dogs with tracheobronchitis. The animal material of the study consisted of 90 dogs with tracheobronchitis aged 1-14 years (mean 7±3 years), mostly small breeds (Terrier, Pomeranian, Russian Poodle, et al.). Two-dimensional, M-mode and pulse wave Doppler techniques were used in echocardiographic examination. The diameters of the MPA and Ao were measured in the right parasternal short axis view and the MPA/Ao ratio was calculated. The mean MPA diameter, Ao diameter and MPA/Ao ratio of dogs with tracheobronchitis were calculated as 1.20±0.31 cm, 1.37±0.36 cm and 0.90±0.16, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between body weight and pulmonary artery diameter (r=0.754, P<0.001). As a result, the MPA/Ao ratio in dogs with tracheobronchitis included in the study was within the values reported for healthy dogs. Based on basic echocardiographic findings and pulmonary artery measurements, no signs of pulmonary hypertension were detected in dogs with tracheobronchitis. However, it can be argued that due to the progressive nature of PH and its poor prognosis, a more comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation may be useful to identify dogs with the potential to develop PH.
Keywords : Ana pulmoner arter, Aorta, Ekokardiyografi, Köpek, Trakeobronşitis

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