Survival times of and prognostic indicators for dogs with heart base masses: 25 cases (1986-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine survival times of and prognostic indicators for dogs with heart base masses. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 25 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment; initial complaint; results of physical examination, radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography; surgical findings; medical and surgical treatment; outcome; necropsy findings; survival time; and cause of death. RESULTS: Survival time ranged from 0 to 1,096 days (mean, 213 days; median, 57 days). None of the variables examined, including initial complaints and results of physical examination, radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography, were associated with survival time. However, dogs that underwent pericardectomy had a significantly longer mean survival time (mean +/- SD, 661 +/- 170 days) than did dogs that were treated medically (129 +/- 51 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that dogs with heart base masses that undergo pericardectomy may survive longer than those that receive medical treatment alone.