Echocardiographic evaluation of equine aortic insufficiency

Echocardiographic evaluation of 23 horses with aortic insufficiency was performed, using M-mode (n = 23) and 2-dimensional real-time echocardiography (n = 14 of 23). Echocardiograms were evaluated for abnormalities of aortic and mitral valves and alterations in motion of these valves. Changes in left ventricular chamber size and function, as well as aortic root size, were evaluated. The presence of other cardiac disease was also evaluated. Horses with aortic insufficiency had significant increases (P less than 0.01) in mean values of left ventricular chamber size, aortic root diameter, and shortening fraction. Left ventricular free wall thickness also was significantly decreased (P less than 0.01). Valvular abnormalities were seen echocardiographically in all 23 horses. Eighteen horses with aortic insufficiency had thickened valves, whereas two horses had lesions associated with vegetative endocarditis. High-frequency vibrations of the septal leaflet of the mitral valve were noticed in all horses, whereas similar vibrations of the aortic valve were seen in six horses. The presence of a bounding arterial pulse correlated significantly (P less than 0.05) with increased left ventricular chamber size at end diastole and shortening fraction, indicating a marked left ventricular volume overload. A reliable diagnosis of aortic insufficiency can be made with the detection of bounding arterial pulses in concert with a holodiastolic decrescendo grade II to V/V murmur with maximal intensity over the aortic valve area, radiating toward the left cardiac apex.     

Echocardiographic and right-sidedcardiac pressure comparison of the mule and horse

There are few physiologic studies that substantiate thepopular belief that mules are superior to horses as working animals. The purpose of this study was to compare selected cardiac dimensions and right-sided cardiac pressures of mules and horses. Using 2-D real time and M-mode echocardiography and transjugular cardiac catheterization resting cardiac dimensions and right-sided pressures were recorded from 10 adult mules and 10 adult horses. The mules and horses were similar in size and physical condition, and both groups had served equally as pack animals. The end diastolic left ventricular lumen diameter, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular free wall thickness, and aortic root diameter measured (mean ± SD) 9.51 ±0.92 cm, 2.63±0.34 cm, 2.28±0.31 cm, 7.9±0.57 cm, respectively, in mules, and 9.83±0.87 cm, 2.83±0.29 cm, 2.39±0.33 cm, 7.9±0.36 cm, respectively, in horses. The end systolic left ventricular lumen diameter measured 5.79 cm in mules and 5.94±0.99 cm in horses, yielding left ventricular luminal shortening fractions of 39.2±7.15% in mules and 39.7±6.91% in horses. Right atrial mean pressure was 5.3±2.3 mm of Hg in mules and 5.8±1.2 mm Hg in horses. Right ventricular peak systolic pressure was 47.9±4.9 mm Hg in mules and 47.7±3.5 mm Hg in horses. Pulmonary artery mean pressure was 27.3±3.2 mm Hg in mules and 28.1±3.6 mm Hg in horses. No significant differences were detected between mules and horses for the resting cardiac dimensions examined or right-sided pressures measured.     

Influence of valvular insufficiency and recurrent airway obstruction on haemodynamics and therapy in warmblood horses with atrial fibrillation

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential haemodynamic effects of valvular insufficiency and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses with atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore in ten healthy horses (group 1) and 40 horses with AF a clinical examination, a lung examination, echocardiography and right heart catheterization for measurement of intracardic and pulmonary pressures were performed. According to the clinical findings the horses with AF were subdivided into 4 groups (group 2: AF; group 3: AF/valvular insufficiency; group 4: AF/RAO; group 5: AF/valvular insufficiency/RAO). Most of the horses of group 3 and 5 suffered from two valvular insufficiencies (mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency: n=11, mitral and aortic valve insufficiency: n=2). The remaining horses showed a single mitral (n=6), tricuspid (n=2) or aortic valve insufficiency (n=1) or more than two valvular insufficiencies (n=4). In group 2 right ventricular mean pressure (RVPm) was higher than in group 1 and 4 (P<0.025); diastolic right ventricular pressure was higher than in group 1; PWP was higher than in group 1 and group 4; PDP was lower compared to group1. Compared to group1 in group 3 left atrial diameter (LA) was greater; the PAPs was higher and the PDP lower (P<0.05). In group 4 RVPm and PWP was lower compared to group 2. In group 5 LA, fractional shortening and diastolic left ventricular diameter were greater, PWP and PAPs were higher and PDP lower compared to group1. Twenty six of the 40 horses with AF (65%) were treated. Successful cardioversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 15 horses (58%). Therapy was successful in 50% of the treated horses of group 2 and 3, in 67% of the treated horses of group 4 and in 63% of the treated horses in group 5. In conclusion the presence of valvular insufficiency or RAO influences the haemodynamics of horses with AF.     

Surgical correction of ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation in a dog

An 8-month-old entire Miniature Dachshund, weighing 4.2 kg, was presented for examination following delvelopment of a cough. Ventricular septal defect had been diagnosed tentatively in its infancy on the basis of a cardiac murmur detected by auscultation and echocardiography. Echocardiography using a B mode right parasternal long-axis view showed a defect at the atrioventricular junction and a thickened cusp of the aortic valve prolapsing into the defect. Colour-flow Doppler showed shunt blood flow across the defect at the level of the atrioventricular junction, from left to right. The sinus of Valsalva was dilated, with turbulent blood flow. Aortic regurgitation was also observed. Cardiac catheterisation studies confirmed the diagnosis of a supracristal ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation. Despite medication with digoxin, enalapril and aminophylin, started from the first admission, left ventricular internal dimensions gradually increased, and fractional shortening of the left ventricle gradually decreased. Surgery, with the aid of extracorporeal circulation, to close the ventricular septal defect, was performed 1 year after the initial examination. The aortic valve was left untreated. Postoperatively, the systolic murmur disappeared. Shunt flow from the left to the right ventricle was no longer observed on echocardiography, however there was still a small amount of aortic regurgitation during diastole visualised with colour-flow Doppler echocardiography. The prolapse of the cusp of the aortic valve on B-mode echocardiography was no longer observed and thickening of the cusp had not progressed. Left ventricular function measurement using M mode echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular volume overload with reduced left ventricular internal dimensions and increased fractional shortening. The cough was relieved and no follow-up medication was scheduled. Early surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect improved the patient's condition and controlled prolapse and thickening of the aortic valve.     

M-mode echocardiographic measurements in nonanesthetized healthy cats: effects of body weight, heart rate, and other variables

Body weight, heart rate, and 19 M-mode echocardiographic variables were measured in 41 nonanesthetized healthy cats. Estimated limits were determined for the echocardiographic variables, and each variable was then correlated to body weight, heart rate, and the 18 other variables. A significant (P less than 0.05) positive correlation to body weight was found with aortic diameter, left atrial dimension, septal and left ventricular systolic and left ventricular diastolic wall thicknesses, and left and right ventricular diastolic and right ventricular systolic internal dimensions. Significant inverse correlation (P less than 0.05) to heart rate was found with body weight, left ventricular systolic and diastolic and right ventricular systolic internal dimensions, left atrial dimension, left atrial dimension to aortic ratio, mitral valve E point to ventricular septal separation, and left ventricular ejection time. Left ventricular shortening fraction in the short axis and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening were significantly correlated (P less than 0.05) to heart rate. Significant correlation (P less than 0.05) was also found between many echocardiographic variables.     

Echocardiographic indices in normal German shepherd dogs

Sixty clinically normal German shepherd dogs, 31 males and 29 females, ranging in age from 1 and 5 years and with a body weight ranging from 22 to 37.2 kg, were examined by the two-dimensional mode, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography. In Doppler mode, the mitral valve flows were obtained, where the aim was to determine the velocity peaks and ratios of the E and A waves and the mitral E wave deceleration time. The velocity peaks were obtained for the tricuspid, pulmonary and aortic valves. On the left ventricular outflow tract flow, the time velocity integral and aortic cross-sectional area was used to calculate the cardiac output. A statistically significant correlation with the body weight was found for the systolic left atrial and diastolic aortic diameter on two-dimensional mode. On M-mode, there was a significant correlation between the body weight and the systolic left atrium and diastolic aortic dimension, systolic and diastolic left ventricular, septal and posterior wall dimensions. Doppler echocardiography showed that there was no significant correlation between the body weight and the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary and aortic valves flows. These results demonstrate that it is important to know the normal echocardiographic values for German shepherd dogs because there are some characteristics peculiar to this particular breed. The data obtained is expected to be helpful for studies on small animal cardiology.     

Pilot study of echocardiographic studies using color- and pulsed-wave spectral Doppler methods in blue-crowned amazons (Amazona ventralis) and blue-fronted amazons (Amazona a. aestiva)

Colour-flow and pulsed-wave spectral Doppler echocardiography was performed on 6 healthy, adult Hispaniolan amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) and 6 blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona a. aestiva) to establish normal reference values. Birds were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen and placed in dorsal recumbency. An electrocardiogram was recorded continuously and birds were imaged with a micro-phased-array scanner with a frequency of 7.0 MHz. After assessment of cardiac function in 2-D-echocardiography, blood flow across the left and the right atrioventricular valve and across the aortic valve was determined using color-flow and pulsed-wave spectral Doppler echocardiography. Diastolic inflow (mean value +/- standard deviation) into the left ventricle was 0.17 +/- 0.02 m/s (Hispaniolan amazons) and 0.18 +/- 0.03 m/s (Blue fronted amazons). Diastolic inflow into the right ventricle was 0.22 +/- 0.05 m/s (Hispaniolan amazons) and 0.22 +/- 0.04 m/s (Blue fronted amazons). Velocity across the aortic valve was 0.84 +/- 0.07 m/s (Hispaniolan amazons) and 0.83 +/- 0.08 m/s (Blue fronted amazons). Systolic pulmonary flow could not be detected in any of the birds in this study. No significant differences were evident between the two species examined. Results of this study indicate that Doppler echocardiography is a promising technique to determine blood flow in the avian heart. Further studies in other avian species are needed to establish reference values for assessment of cardiac function in diseased birds.     

Transthoracic echocardiography in Estrela Mountain dogs: reference values for the breed

Of 100 Estrela Mountain dogs, 74 were examined to obtain echocardiographic reference values for the breed. The influence of bodyweight, age and sex on different echocardiographic parameters was studied using either analysis of variance or regression analysis. Statistically significant differences were found between sex and heart rate as well as interventricular septal thickness at end-systole and left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole. A statistically significant linear correlation was also found between several parameters and (1) age (mean arterial pressure, left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole, fractional shortening, circularity index in systole, aortic valve velocity time integral, pulmonic valve velocity time integral and mitral valve E wave peak velocity), (2) weight (left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole and end-systole, end-diastolic volume index, left atrium diameter, aortic valve peak velocity and mitral valve E wave deceleration time), (3) sex and age (left ventricle end-diastolic volume), and (4) sex and weight (aortic root diameter and pulmonic valve peak velocity). Reference values for the breed are presented, as well as dispersion graphics for selected parameters, based on a regression equation.     

M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS AND INDICES IN THE NORMAL GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

M-mode echocardiographic measurements were made from 50 healthy German Shepherd dogs (30 males and 20 females). The dogs were awake and unsedated, in right lateral recumbent position. The following parameters were measured on the echocardiographic images: interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole (IVSd), interventricular septal thickness at end-systole (IVSs), left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole (LVIDd), left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole (LVIDs), left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd), left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-systole (LVPWs), left atrial dimension (LAD), aortic root dimension (AOD), left atrial to aortic root ratio (LAD/AOD), right ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole (RVID), amplitude of mitral valve excursion (DE amplitude), velocity of mitral valve opening (D-E slope), and velocity of mitral valve closure (E-F slope). Fractional shortening (FS) was also calculated. The effect of gender and age on each echocardiographic parameter was analyzed and the relationship between body weight (BW) and each parameter was also investigated. There was a significant relationship between gender and LVPW in systole and diastole and FS. Significant association was also found between BW and IVS, LVID, and LVPW in systole and diastole, FS, LAD, AOD, RVID, DE amplitude, and D-E slope of the mitral valve.     

Cardiac evaluation of anesthetized Grevy's zebras (Equus grevyi)

OBJECTIVE: To determine ECG and echocardiographic measurements in healthy anesthetized Grevy's zebras (Equus grevyi). ANIMALS: 20 healthy zebras. PROCEDURES: Auscultation, base-apex ECG, and echocardiography were performed on anesthetized zebras. RESULTS: Low-grade systolic murmurs were detected in the left basilar region in 4 of 20 zebras. Evaluation of ECGs from 19 zebras revealed sinus rhythm with a predominantly negative QRS complex and a mean +/- SD heart rate of 67 +/- 10 beats/min. Echocardiograms of sufficient image quality were obtained for 16 zebras. Interventricular septal thickness in diastole, left ventricular chamber in diastole and systole, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular mass were significantly and moderately correlated with estimated body weight (r values ranged from 0.650 to 0.884). Detectable swirling of blood in the right and sometimes the left ventricles was detected in 9 of 16 zebras, whereas physiologic regurgitation of blood was detected for the aortic valve in 3 zebras, pulmonary valve in 2 zebras, mitral valve in 2 zebras, and tricuspid valve in 1 zebra. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study provide reference information for use in the cardiac evaluation of anesthetized Grevy's zebras.     

Using red blood cell creatine concentration to evaluate the equine erythropoietic response

Red blood cell creatine concentration was examined to determine its association with the equine erythropoietic response. Studies were conducted on 9 healthy horses, 4 healthy ponies, 24 anemia horses, and 2 horses in which anemia was experimentally induced. A modified Jaffe reaction was used to measure RBC creatine concentration. The mean RBC creatine concentration of the 9 healthy horses was 5.72 +/- 0.42 mg/dl, and that of the 4 healthy ponies was 2.59 +/- 0.31 mg/dl. Density-separation of erythrocytes from the healthy horses revealed significantly higher (P less than 0.001) creatine content (7.72 +/- 0.57 mg/dl) in the young RBC populations than in the old RBC populations (4.03 +/- 0.27 mg/dl). The RBC creatine content was assayed in 19 hot-blooded horses which were anemic due to a variety of causes. Of these anemic horses, 12 with PCV between 25% and 30% had a mean RBC creatine concentration of 6.12 +/- 0.46 mg/dl. The 7 other anemic horses with PCV less than 25% had a mean RBC creatine value of 6.07 +/- 0.12 mg/dl. Bone marrow films were examined from 5 anemic horses and in the 2 horses in which anemia was experimentally induced. The RBC creatine concentration correlated positively (P less than 0.001) with the reticulocyte count in the bone marrow and negatively with the myeloid-erythroid ratio (P less than 0.001).     

Echocardiographic diagnosis of an anomaly of the tricuspid valve in a male pygmy goat.

A 3-year-old male pygmy goat was evaluated because of a grade III/V plateau pansystolic murmur that was auscultated over the tricuspid valve area and a grade II/V plateau pansystolic murmur that was auscultated over the left heart base. Echocardiography revealed a large right atrium and ventricle, an atrial septal defect, and a dysplastic tricuspid valve displaced apically into the right ventricle. Contrast echocardiography and color-flow Doppler echocardiography revealed flow from right to left through the atrial septal defect and severe tricuspid regurgitation. A diagnosis of tricuspid valve dysplasia and severe tricuspid regurgitation was made. This anomaly (Ebstein's anomaly) of the tricuspid valve should be considered in goats that have systolic, with or without diastolic, murmurs over the tricuspic valve. Two-dimensional echocardiography can confirm the diagnosis of the anomaly. The associated tricuspid regurgitation and interatrial right-to-left shunt flow can be detected and semiquantitated by use of contrast, continuous wave, and color-flow Doppler echocardiography.     

Influence of detomidine on echocardiographic function parameters and cardiac hemodynamics in horses with and without heart murmur

30 warmblood horses were examined before and after sedation with 20 micrograms/kg BW detomidine, to determine changes of cardiac function parameters, using B-mode, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. 15 horses showed a heart murmur, but no clinical signs of cardiac heart failure, 15 horses had neither a heart murmur nor other signs of cardiac disease. After sedation with detomidine we could recognise a significant increase of end-diastolic left atrium diameter, an increase of end-systolic left ventricular diameter and aortic root diameter. The end-systolic thickness of papillary muscle and interventricular septum showed a decrease. Fractional shortening and amplitude of left ventricular wall motion was decreased after sedation. The mitral valve echogram revealed a presystolic valve closure and an inflection in the Ac slope (B-notch) in xy horses before sedation. Both increased after sedation with detomidine. Doppler echocardiography showed a decrease of blood flow velocity and velocity time integral (VTI) in the left and right ventricular outflow tract after sedation. Regurgitant flow signals were intensified following sedation in xy horses, especially at the mitral valve.     

Right atrioventricular atresia and ventricular septal defect in a foal

Right atrioventricular atresia with a ventricular septal defect, a rare congenital cardiac anomaly of either animals or man, was diagnosed in a one week old Arabian foal. The foal had been weak and cyanotic since birth, sometimes becoming dyspneic when stressed. Necropsy revealed a dilated and hypertrophied left ventricle with the right ventricle being small. The right atrioventricular valve was absent. The right and left ventricles communicated via a septal defect which was located immediately adjacent to the aortic valve.     

Echocardiographic reference values in healthy cats sedated with ketamine hydrochloride

An M-mode echocardiographic examination was performed in a consistent manner in 30 clinically healthy cats under light ketamine hydrochloride sedation. There was a significant linear relationship between increasing body size and increasing cardiac dimensions for several echocardiographic values. Positive correlation existed between body weight and body surface area with aortic root, left ventricular caudal wall thickness (LVCW), interventricular septal thickness (IVS), IVS/LVCW, and mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf); there was a negative correlation between body weight and body surface area with left ventricular ejection time (LVET). Body surface area also correlated positively with percentage of ventricular minor axis dimensional change (% delta D). Positive correlations were recorded between left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular endsystolic dimension (LVESD), LVESD and LVET, LVCW and IVS, LVET (calculated by LVCW motion) and LVET (calculated by aortic valve motion), % delta D and Vcf, heart rate and Vcf, and Vcf (calculated using aortic valve motion to compute LVET) and Vcf (using LVCW motion to compute LVET). There were negative correlations between LVEDD and % delta D, LVEDD and Vcf, LVESD and Vcf, LVET and Vcf, LVET and heart rate, LVET and % delta D. Significant differences were recorded between means of echocardiographic reference values generated in this and other studies, except for LVESD.     

Aortic valve insufficiency in a one-year-old colt

Aortic insufficiency was suspected in a thin 1-year-old colt with a grade IV/V decrescendo holodiastolic murmur and a bounding arterial pulse. Echocardiographic findings (diastolic fluttering of the septal leaflet of the mitral valve, left ventricular volume overload, and incomplete aortic valve closure) were diagnostic for aortic valve insufficiency. Moderately thick fibrotic aortic valve leaflets were found at necropsy. Fenestrations were found in the aortic and pulmonic valve cusps. Congenital valvular disease may have led to aortic valvular insufficiency in this horse.     

Effect of age and training on murmurs of atrioventricular valvular regurgitation in young thoroughbreds

Cardiac auscultation was carried out on 111 Thoroughbred horses age 2-5 years to test the hypothesis that athletic training might influence the development of atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation in young Thoroughbreds. Murmurs of valvular regurgitation were identified and graded on a 1-6 scale. There were 2 sources of auscultation data: 1) 55 2-year-old horses that were examined by auscultation before training commenced and 9 months later when at race fitness; 2) 56 horses age 2-5 years that were examined on one occasion only (25 2-year-olds, 23 3-year-olds, five 4-year-olds and five 5-year olds). All horses in the second data set were in full training and racing regularly at the time of the examination. To conclude the study, 35 horses were selected randomly from both groups of horses and examined with colour-flow Doppler echocardiography. The aim of the final part of the study was to check specificity and sensitivity of auscultation for detection of AV valve murmurs and therefore validate the auscultation findings. Prior to training, the prevalence in 2-year-old racehorses of murmurs of mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation was 7.3% (4/55) and 12.7% (7/55), respectively. After training, the prevalence proportions increased to 21.8% (12/55) and 25.5% (14/55). After training, one horse developed a murmur characteristic of aortic regurgitation. The differences in murmur prevalence were statistically significant for mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (paired t test results: mitral regurgitation, P = 0.019; tricuspid regurgitation, P = 0.007), as were the differences in mean murmur grade (P = 0.018 and P = 0.0006, respectively). There were no significant effects of age on the prevalence of valvular regurgitation in 56 horses examined at race fitness. Auscultation was a specific (specificity 100%) and reasonably sensitive method for detection of murmurs of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (mitral regurgitation: positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 84%, tricuspid regurgitation: positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 65%). These data suggest that the prevalence and grade of murmurs of mitral and tricuspid valvular regurgitation increase in 2-year-old Thoroughbreds after 9 months of athletic training. Whereas the effects of age and growth on the prevalence of murmurs cannot be ruled out from these data, this study suggests that there is an influence of athletic training on the development of atrioventricular valvular regurgitation in flat-racing Thoroughbreds.     

An Echocardiographic Study of Atrial Fibrillation in Horses: Before and After Conversion to Sinus Rhythm

Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiograms were recorded from 41 horses before they were successfully treated for atrial fibrillation. In addition, these examinations were performed in a subgroup of 20 horses after treatment, and the results were compared with pretreatment values. Atrial fibrillation in this group of horses was associated with a reduction of mean left ventricular fractional shortening (mean 31 %± 5.24%), and 22 of the 41 horses were below the reference range. The remaining mean M-mode variables were within the normal reference range, although 12 horses had increased left ventricular lumen dimensions in systole, and 8 horses had decreased left ventricular ejection times. Abnormal motion of the mitral valve was present in all horses and was characterized by the absence of A peaks, which were replaced by small diastolic undulations in 55% of the horses. In horses 1 to 20, after conversion to sinus rhythm, the mean fractional shortening increased (35.34%± 5.4%, P = .004), but there were no significant differences in heart rate or left ventricular lumen diameters in systole or diastole. These results suggest that ventricular function may be compromised by the presence of atrial fibrillation. However, this improved after correction of the arrhythmia.     

Reference ranges for hematologic and serum biochemical values in llamas (Lama glama)

Hematologic and serum biochemical values were determined in 174 llamas of all age groups and both sexes from ranches in California and Nevada. Compared with hematologic values for horses and cattle, llama erythrocytes were more numerous (10.1 to 17.3 x 10(6)/microliters), but the PCV was lower (25 to 45%) because the smaller elliptical cells pack tighter. The mean corpuscular volume was half that of horses and cattle (22 to 29.5 fl). The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was higher (38.9 to 46.2 g/dl), and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin slightly lower (9.6 to 12.6 pg). Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle and horses, with the exception of triiodothyronine (48 to 468 ng/dl) and thyroxin (9.8 to 30 micrograms/dl), which are up to 10 times higher than values for other domestic species.     

M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AS A DIAGNOSTIC AID FOR FELINE CARDIOMYOPATHY

Normal cats and cats with congestive cardiomyopathy (CCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) were examined using M-mode echocardiography to determine its diagnostic capabilities. Sixteen normal cats were examined to verify previously reported data and to add further echocardiographic inforamtion (left atrial/aortic root ratio, left posterior wall thickness at end systole and end diastole, amplitude of mitral valve excursions, and velocity of valve opening and closure) to aid in differential diagnosis. Significant (p<0.05) changes were detected between the normal cats and those with cardiomyopathy. In each type of cardiomyopathy, alterations in left atrial dimension, left atrial/aortic root ratio, left ventricular dimension, left ventricular wall thickness and percentage of ventricular dimensional change were identified. Altered mitral valve motion was found with HCM. Echocardiography was found to be an accurate technique for definitive diagnosis of feline cardiomyopathy.