Question

In dogs, irregular pulse in femoral artery is indicative of
A. Myocardial damage
B. Nephritis
C. Hepatitis
D. Brain disease
E. Pancreatitis
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A only
• B. B and C only
• C. D and E only
• D. E only

Hint:

Cardiovascular Signs: Irregular pulse Pulse deficit (Heart rate $\ne$ Pulse rate) directly indicates Myocardial Damage or Arrhythmias (Atrial Fibrillation, VPCs).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cardiovascular clinical diagnostics: pulse deficits and irregular peripheral arterial pulses reflect underlying cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial pathology.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In small animal clinical cardiology:
- Palpation of the femoral artery pulse simultaneous with cardiac auscultation assesses cardiac rhythm, pulse rate, and pulse quality.
- An irregular pulse (characterized by pulse deficits, atrial fibrillation, ventricular premature complexes [VPCs], or sinus arrhythmias) directly reflects Myocardial Damage (A) (such as dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, or myocardial ischemia).
- Renal, hepatic, and pancreatic disorders cause metabolic disturbances, but primary irregular pulse is directly indicative of cardiac/myocardial disease.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, an irregular femoral pulse is indicative of A only, corresponding to option (A).