A retrospective study of 153 cases of undiagnosed collapse, XXXX or exercise intolerance: the outcomes.

@entity235 @entity204 @entity1163
OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively assess the long-term outcome for @entity235 that were presented with collapse, @entity1163 or exercise intolerance for which an underlying cause is not identified. METHODS: The clinical records of animals presenting to two practices were assessed. @entity235 which presented for collapse, @entity1163 or exercise intolerance at least 6 months previously and did not receive a definitive diagnosis despite investigation were included. Follow-up of these cases was carried out by conducting telephone interviews with the owners. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three cases were successfully followed up. Clinical signs had resolved in 64 cases (42%), 35 @entity235 (23%) were continuing to exhibit clinical signs, although 22 of these had improved without medical intervention. In 17 cases (11%), a diagnosis had subsequently been made or treatment was being administered and 37 @entity235 (24%) had died. Of the deaths, 18 (12%) were considered to be related to the original presentation. The overall prevalence of @entity204 and deterioration related to the problems investigated was 16  2% of cases. Death in boxers was significantly more common than in other breeds (36%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Death and deterioration are uncommon outcomes for @entity235 other than boxers presenting with collapse, @entity1163 and exercise intolerance for which a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.
