Asian Journal of Cardiology Research

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) associated with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in dogs and to analyze its demographic distribution, including age, breed, and gender predisposition.

Study Design: A cross-sectional observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Rajendranagar, PVNRTVU, Hyderabad, from March to August 2024.

Methodology: A total of 8,924 adult dogs were examined through clinical evaluations, diagnostic imaging, and hematobiochemical analyses. Dogs exhibiting clinical signs such as cough, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, polyuria, polydipsia, and vomiting were selected for further cardiac and renal evaluation. Diagnosis of cardiac disease was based on electrocardiography (ECG), radiography, and echocardiography. Dogs diagnosed with DMVD were further assessed for renal involvement using serum creatinine levels (SCr >1.4 mg/dL) to confirm CRS. Data on breed, age, and sex distribution were recorded and analyzed.

Results: Of the total examined dogs, 91 were diagnosed with cardiac disorders, with an incidence rate of 1.01%. DMVD was the most prevalent cardiac disorder (n=61, 67%), followed by dilated cardiomyopathy (n=23, 25.3%). Among DMVD cases, 27 dogs exhibited renal dysfunction, resulting in a CRS incidence rate of 44.3%. The majority of CRS-affected dogs were between 8-10 years (40.74%), followed by dogs aged 10 to 12 years accounted for 18.52% of cases and those over 12 years made up 11.11%. In comparison, younger dogs were diagnosed less frequently, with 7.41% being under six years old and 22.22% falling within the six to eight-year age range. There is a higher prevalence in males (70.3%). Breed predisposition analysis showed Pomeranians had the highest prevalence (40.74%), followed by Shih Tzus (22.22%) Pugs (11.11%), Lhasa Apsos and Labradors (10% each), Mongrels (7.41%), and Chihuahuas (3.7%).

Conclusion: The study highlights a significant prevalence of CRS in dogs with DMVD, particularly in geriatric and small-breed dogs. Early identification and targeted management strategies are essential to improving clinical outcomes. Further studies are required to explore the pathophysiology and optimize therapeutic interventions for CRS in dogs.