Ventricular septal defect repair in a small dog using cross-circulation

SUMMARY A haemodynamically significant ventricular septal defect was diagnosed in a 3-month-old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A median sternotomy was performed and the 6.5 kg dog placed on cardiopulmonary bypass using pump-assisted cross-circulation. A 10 mm diameter peri-membranous ventricular septal defect was closed using a continuous suture of 4–0 polypropylene, via a 2.5 cm incision in the right ventricular outflow tract. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 90 minutes. Complications in the immediate postoperative period were mild and easily managed.