Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by cardiac chamber dilation and poor myocardial contractility.
Echocardiography is the gold standard diagnostic tool to assess cardiac chamber dimensions and systolic function.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the echocardiographic parameters in canine DCM:
- (A) Decreased ejection fraction (EF):
Ejection fraction is a key indicator of left ventricular systolic function.
In DCM, myocardial contractility is impaired, leading to a significant decrease in EF.
- (B) Decreased fractional shortening (FS):
Fractional shortening measures the percentage change in left ventricular luminal diameter during systole.
A marked decrease in FS (often $<15\%$) is a hallmark of systolic dysfunction in DCM.
- (C) Increased mitral valve E-point to septal separation (EPSS):
EPSS is the minimum distance between the anterior mitral valve leaflet and the interventricular septum during early diastole.
As the left ventricle dilates and systolic function worsens, the mitral valve fails to open fully toward the septum, resulting in an increased EPSS (often $>6-8$ mm).
- (D) Decreased LA/AO ratio:
In DCM, poor ventricular emptying and mitral regurgitation cause a backup of pressure into the left atrium.
This leads to left atrial dilation, which increases the Left Atrium to Aorta (LA/AO) ratio (not decreases).
Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct diagnostic findings, while (D) is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct diagnostic findings are represented by (A), (B), and (C) only, which corresponds to Option (B).