Survival analysis in dogs with congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy: Prognostic factors and influence of atrial fibrillation

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and the impact of AF and other parameters on survival. Two hundred and seventy five dogs were studied and divided into four breed classes: giant, large, spaniels and Doberman pinschers. Univariate and multivariable analyses with censoring were performed.;Doberman pinschers had the shortest survival times whereas spaniels had the longest. AF was most common in giant dogs. Doberman pinschers and spaniels with AF at enrolment had a worse outcome. A multivariable model was developed with 11 parameters and two-way interactions. After adjusting for the other variables, dogs with AF at enrolment had a better outcome. Sudden death was more frequent in dogs with more ventricular premature contractions per minute and was more common in Doberman pinschers. Survival curves were constructed using this model.