(C43) Small Coronary Arterial Size Is Associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Abstract: Background – There is little information on the relationship between coronary artery size and the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinschers. Hypothesis/Objectives – To determine if Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy will have smaller coronary artery dimensions relative to their body weight compared to other dogs. Animals – Sixty-two dogs undergoing interventional procedures with angiography between 2018-2023, consisting of Doberman Pinschers with DCM (N=9), pulmonic stenosis (PS, N=43), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, N= 6), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD, N=3), and apparently healthy dogs (N=1). Methods – A single-institution retrospective study evaluating the association between coronary artery size and body weight. Measurements of the right coronary artery ostium were obtained from existing angiography and compared with the patient’s body weight. The right coronary was chosen due to consistent visibility in angiographic studies. Results – Doberman Pinschers with DCM overall had smaller right coronary artery measurements relative to their body weights compared to other evaluated dogs. Statistics and interobserver variability are currently in progress. Conclusions and clinical importance – These results may support that decreased coronary artery size contributes to the pathogenesis of DCM in Doberman Pinschers. Further studies into the clinical significance of this finding are required and may include evaluation of the left coronary arteries and analysis with alternate imaging modalities.