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In giant breeds of dog, there is a common condition that
affects and weakens the heart muscle – dilated cardiomyopathy
(DCM). Terry was concerned that this may be the problem,
and that the bump from the pup may be a red herring. I then
became involved, taking ECGs and X-rays of Murphy’s
chest.
It became apparent that despite her unusual heart rhythm,
Murphy’s heart looked normal on our x-rays. This was
not typical of DCM, and – unsure as to our diagnosis
– we sent Murphy to see Mike Johnson – a cardiologist
in Kenilworth.
After ultrasound scanning her heart and taking additional
x-rays, he informed us that Murphy had pneumonia. As a specialist,
he had seen several cases of this in Wolfhounds, and told
us that it is an “idiopathic” condition in this
breed. This means that we don’t really know why it
occurs!
In most dogs, pneumonia occurs because there is something
else wrong with the dog such as an abnormal oesophagus or
larynx, which makes the dog prone to inhaling food particles
into the lungs. But in Murphy, it was “just one of
those things”!
Fortunately, she has responded well to antibiotics, and
her heart problem – just a complication of the Pneumonia
– has resolved as the pneumonia has improved. Hoipefully,
Murphy has had her “fix” of coming to the vets’,
and won’t get the urge to visit us again for some time!
Geraldine
Young BVSc CertSAM MRCVS
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