Aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the heart or blood vessels near the heart in dogs

Aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the heart are rare but serious cardiovascular diseases in dogs. They affect the heart tissue or the large blood vessels in the immediate vicinity of the heart and can significantly endanger the dog’s life. The differences between these two conditions lie in their origin, structure, and potential complications. This article explains the characteristics, causes, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for cardiac aneurysms and cardiac pseudoaneurysms in dogs.

What is an Aneurysm of the Heart in Dogs?

An aneurysm of the heart is a balloon-like bulge in the heart wall or in one of the large blood vessels on the heart, such as the aorta or pulmonary artery. An aneurysm is caused by a weakness in the wall structure that can no longer withstand the pressure of blood flow.

Types of Cardiac Aneurysm

  1. Ventricular aneurysm: Affects the wall of one of the heart chambers, usually the left ventricle.
  2. Aortic aneurysm: An enlargement of the aorta in the immediate vicinity of the heart.
  3. Atrial aneurysm: Rare, affects the wall of one of the atria.

Causes

  • Traumatic injuries: Blunt or penetrating injuries to the chest.
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Leads to weakening of the heart wall due to Scar tissue formation.
  • Infections: Bacterial or parasitic infections such as endocarditis.
  • Congenital malformations: Structural defects in the heart wall or vessels.
  • Inflammatory conditions: Diseases such as myocarditis can destabilize the heart wall.

Symptoms

  • Dyspnea (labored breathing)
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Heart murmurs on auscultation
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
  • Fluid retention (edema), especially in the lungs or abdomen
Content

Differences between Aneurysm and Pseudoaneurysm of the Heart

Characteristic

AneurysmPseudoaneurysm

Structure

Weakening of all wall layers

Tear with inclusion by external tissue

Stability

Relatively stable

Unstable, higher risk of rupture

Origin

Congenital, inflammatory, traumatic

Injuries, heart attack, infections

Wall material

Original vessel or heart wall

Scar or pericardial tissue

Diagnosis of Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms of the Heart

1. Clinical Examination

  • Auscultation to detect heart murmurs.
  • Observation of symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness or Swelling.

2. Imaging Procedures

  • Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound): Most important diagnostic tool for imaging the heart wall and blood clots.
  • CT or MRI: For detailed anatomical images.
  • Angiography: Examination of the blood vessels with contrast agent.
  • X-ray: Can show enlarged heart structures or fluid accumulation.

3. Blood Tests

  • Markers for infections or Entzündungen.
  • Heart-specific enzymes in the event of myocardial damage.

Treatment Options for Aneurysms

1. Aneurysm of the Heart

  • Drug therapy: Use of drugs to reduce blood pressure and strain on the heart.
  • Surgical intervention: Removal of the aneurysm or implantation of a stent.
  • Regular monitoring: for small and asymptomatic aneurysms.

2. Pseudoaneurysm of the Heart

  • Surgical repair: Closure of the tear in the heart wall.
  • Pericardial puncture: Removal of excess fluid in the event of pericardial tamponade.
  • Antibiotic treatment: for infectious causes.
  • Emergency surgery: in the event of imminent or actual rupture.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the size, location, and cause of the aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. However, if left untreated, both conditions can be fatal, especially if a rupture occurs.

Conclusion

Aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the heart are rare but serious conditions in dogs. A true aneurysm affects all wall layers and is more stable, while a pseudoaneurysm is limited by external tissue and is unstable. Accurate diagnosis and individual treatment are crucial to save the dog’s life and maintain its quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What causes an aneurysm of the heart in dogs?
    Congenital defects, heart attacks, trauma, and Inflammatory conditions can trigger an aneurysm.
  2. How dangerous is a pseudoaneurysm of the heart?
    It is highly dangerous because it is unstable and can easily rupture, which is often fatal.
  3. Can an aneurysm of the heart remain stable without treatment?
    Some aneurysms remain stable, but regular monitoring is necessary as the risk of complications remains.
  4. How is a pseudoaneurysm diagnosed?
    By ultrasound of the heart and, if necessary, by further imaging procedures such as CT or MRI.
  5. Are there preventive measures?

Regular veterinary examinations and treatment of heart diseases or infections can reduce the risk.

Literature

  1. JÄHRIG, Rodja Aljoscha, et al. Abdominal aortic malformation in 2 dogs. Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe K: Kleintiere/Heimtiere, 2024, 52. Jg., Nr. 04, S. 243-254.
  2. ETTINGER, S.J., FELDMAN, E.C. und CÔTÉ, E. 2017. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 8. Auflage. St. Louis: Elsevier.
  3. NELSON, R.W. und COUTO, C.G. 2019. Small Animal Internal Medicine. 6. Auflage. St. Louis: Elsevier.
  4. SILVERSTEIN, D.C. und HOPPER, K. 2014. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine. 2. Auflage. St. Louis: Elsevier.
  5. MERCK & CO. 2020. Merck Veterinary Manual. 11. Auflage. Kenilworth: Merck Publishing.