Sadie
Labrador Retriever
Radiographic Report
Radiographic interpretation: The cardiac silhouette generally moderately enlarged with a VHS of 11.9 and VLAS of 1.6. There is no specific chamber dilation pattern. There is an increase in nonspecific interstitial opacities, but no overt pulmonary edema is appreciated. The pulmonary vessels appear normal.
Radiographic diagnosis: Enlarged cardiac silhouette with no evidence of active CHF
Clinical interpretation / additional case information: The degree of cardiac dilation is moderate, and given the patient’s history, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a possible differential diagnosis. An echocardiogram is recommended prior to the initiation of any cardiac therapy to exclude differential diagnoses other than DCM (especially pericardial effusion) prior to the initiation of any therapy. If a diagnosis of DCM is confirmed, changing the diet to a grain-inclusive food is recommended.
Clinical History
Signalment: 3 year old FS Labrador Retriever
Clinical History: Presented for coughing that was not responsive to antibiotics; patient is being fed a grain-free (non-standard) diet. A soft (Grade 2/6) left apical systolic murmur is present.