Echocardiography and radiography as effective diagnostic methods for dogs with heart valve degeneration

Abstract. Degenerative changes in the valve apparatus are extremely common among ornamental dog breeds. In particular, myxomatous degeneration of the bicuspid heart valve is often diagnosed. The purpose of the work: to show the effectiveness of echocardiography and radiography in determining the stage of damage to the valvular heart apparatus in dogs. Methods: clinical examination of sick animals, cardiological examination using a stethophonendoscope, X-ray and ultrasound machine. Scientific novelty: a comprehensive assessment of the valvular heart apparatus in dogs revealed the patterns of occurrence and development of the pathological process in the heart. Results. According to the results of the data analysis, it was revealed that dogs of dwarf breeds are predisposed to damage to the valvular heart apparatus, according to sexual dimorphism, neutered males were more likely to encounter this pathology. The average age of sick animals is from 7 to 10 years. The clinical signs differed depending on the type of affected valve, but shortness of breath and cough were found in all groups of animals. The combined use of echocardiography and chest X-ray allows you to objectively determine the degree of development of the disease and predict its course.