Left heart insufficiency

• Name: Amanda
• Report and medical history: horse, Sella Italiano, female, 5 years old.

The subject shows tachycardia associated with reported Grade 3 holodiastolic murmur in the aortic area. In addition, the patient presents tachypnea, dicrotic inspiration and prolonged expiration.

Right parasternal 4 chamber view (A) and left parasternal view of the left atrium and ventricle: significant dilation of the left atrium (v 166,4 mm; v.n 116 ± 7 mm) and the ventricle (systolic v 163.2 mm; v.n 112 ± 8 mm – diastolic v. 86.7) which present a globular aspect.

Left heart insufficiency associated with severe pulmonary edema and moderate systemic hypotension.
The patient has undergone symptomatic treatment with diuretics to reduce the pulmonary edema, and digoxin in order to improve the pumping action of the heart. The therapy has led to a progressive reduction of the pulmonary edema, improvement in pulmonary ventilation and a reduction in the baseline heart rate. The systemic pressure, closely monitored, has returned to the normal value range. In order to compensate for the possible loss of electrolytes caused by the diuretic therapy, it is advisable to monitor the level and, if necessary, administer supplements.