Surgical correction of a partial atrioventricular septal defect with a ventricular septal defect in a dog

Echocardiography of a dog with a cardiac murmur revealed an ostium primum septal defect, a ventricular septal defect, and mitral valve malformation with regurgitation. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve were separated and displaced at the same level as the ventricular septum. The mitral valve had a cleft in the septal cusp. Cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography showed a left-to-right shunt and a "goose-neck sign," which indicated an elongated left ventricular outflow tract. The diagnosis of a partial atrioventricular septal defect with ventricular septal defect was made. Surgical correction was successfully performed under extracorpo-real circulation using a cardiopulmonary bypass system.     

Percutaneous transcatheter coil embolization of a ventricular septal defect in a dog

A 4-month-old male French Bulldog weighing 5.0 kg (11 lb) was referred for a heart murmur. A grade 3/6 systolic murmur was detected at the left heart base and a grade 4/6 systolic murmur was detected at the right heart base. By use of color-flow Doppler ultrasonography and cardiac catheterization, a diagnosis of supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD) with accompanying aortic regurgitation was made. Percutaneous transcatheter coil embolization was used to close the VSD. Because residual shunt was detected via echocardiography after coil implantation, the residual shunt was followed periodically via echocardiography to detect spontaneous closure of the VSD. Volume overload in the left ventricle was detected in the dog 131 days after admission. Additional coils were placed 137 days after admission. Hemolysis resulting in hemoglobinuria was detected, but this complication was mild. In the dog of this report, results of coil occlusion for correction of VSD were promising. Thus, coil occlusion should be considered as an alternative treatment for VSD in dogs.     

Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect with aortopulmonary collaterals in an adult dog

Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) was diagnosed in a 2-year-old castrated male Terrier mix. Transthoracic echocardiography identified a large ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta and severe right ventricular hypertrophy. A main pulmonary artery could not be identified, consistent with pulmonary atresia or persistent truncus arteriosus. Transesophageal echocardiography and angiography confirmed PA-VSD with aortopulmonary collateral circulation arising from the descending thoracic aorta. This case report describes the antemortem diagnosis of the rare congenital defect PA-VSD in an adult dog.     

Surgical correction of ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation in a dog

An 8-month-old entire Miniature Dachshund, weighing 4.2 kg, was presented for examination following delvelopment of a cough. Ventricular septal defect had been diagnosed tentatively in its infancy on the basis of a cardiac murmur detected by auscultation and echocardiography. Echocardiography using a B mode right parasternal long-axis view showed a defect at the atrioventricular junction and a thickened cusp of the aortic valve prolapsing into the defect. Colour-flow Doppler showed shunt blood flow across the defect at the level of the atrioventricular junction, from left to right. The sinus of Valsalva was dilated, with turbulent blood flow. Aortic regurgitation was also observed. Cardiac catheterisation studies confirmed the diagnosis of a supracristal ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation. Despite medication with digoxin, enalapril and aminophylin, started from the first admission, left ventricular internal dimensions gradually increased, and fractional shortening of the left ventricle gradually decreased. Surgery, with the aid of extracorporeal circulation, to close the ventricular septal defect, was performed 1 year after the initial examination. The aortic valve was left untreated. Postoperatively, the systolic murmur disappeared. Shunt flow from the left to the right ventricle was no longer observed on echocardiography, however there was still a small amount of aortic regurgitation during diastole visualised with colour-flow Doppler echocardiography. The prolapse of the cusp of the aortic valve on B-mode echocardiography was no longer observed and thickening of the cusp had not progressed. Left ventricular function measurement using M mode echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular volume overload with reduced left ventricular internal dimensions and increased fractional shortening. The cough was relieved and no follow-up medication was scheduled. Early surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect improved the patient's condition and controlled prolapse and thickening of the aortic valve.     

Transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect in a dog

Atrial septal defect, while rare in dogs, can result in severe clinical signs. Surgical correction of atrial septal defect requires open-heart surgery. Transcatheter closure techniques provide minimally invasive surgical alternatives.     

Aorticopulmonary septal defect in a dog.

A 2-year-old Brittany Spaniel ahd clinical signs of pulmonary diseases and pulmonary hypertension, with cardiac murmur and congestive heart failure. Aorticopulmonary septal defect was detected by means of cardiac catheterization. Attempted surgical correciton was unsuccessful.     

Aorticopulmonary septal defect in a German shepherd dog

A 2-year-old, female German shepherd dog was referred with a 2-month history of dyspnea, ascites, and anorexia. On physical examination, an arrhythmia, tachypnea, and a continuous grade V/VI heart murmur were evidenced. Atrial fibrillation and tall R waves were noted on electrocardiography. Survey thoracic radiography revealed generalized cardiomegaly and enlarged pulmonary vessels. Echocardiography demonstrated severe dilatation of the left atrium and ventricle with reduced fractional shortening. Doppler echocardiography showed continuous and turbulent flow in the ascending aorta between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Necropsy demonstrated an aorticopulmonary septal defect.     

Spontaneous resolution of hypothermia-induced atrial fibrillation in a dog

Objective: To report a case of spontaneous resolution of atrial fibrillation secondary to hypothermia in a dog without detectable heart disease. Case summary: An 8‐year‐old female spayed mixed breed dog presented with a history of prolonged exposure to below freezing environmental temperatures. The dog presented hypothermic (<32°C or <90°F) and minimally responsive to stimuli. The heart rate was 80 beats per minute (bpm) and irregular. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed. The dog had pale mucous membranes, absent femoral pulses, and no obtainable blood pressure via indirect Doppler technique. Resuscitation fluids were administered and active external warming was instituted. Peripheral edema was observed during the rewarming phase and the irregular heart rate was noted to increase. The atrial fibrillation spontaneously resolved with no specific anti‐arrhythmic therapy. No underlying myocardial disease was found. The recovery of this dog was complete with a subsequent repeat of the echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) 8‐months later found to be within normal limits.     

Ebstein’s anomaly with an atrial septal defect in a jindo dog

A 7-month-old, female jindo dog was presented with severe ascites, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance. Diagnostic imaging studies revealed Ebstein’s anomaly with an atrial septal defect. The dog was managed medically with inotropics, diuretics, and vasodilators.     

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.     

Spontaneous closure of a traumatic acquired Gerbode defect in a dog

A one-year-old female English Springer Spaniel with no previous history of cardiac disease presented to the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital following a blunt traumatic incident with an acquired, direct Gerbode defect and associated third-degree atrioventricular block. Two months after the initial incident, follow-up echocardiography showed a nearly closed Gerbode defect with just trivial residual flow. A 24-h Holter monitor indicated second-degree atrioventricular block with occasional junctional tachycardia. A reassessment 22 months later confirmed spontaneous closure of the previously acquired traumatic Gerbode defect, with 2:1 second-degree atrioventricular block. The dog remained clinically asymptomatic, and free of treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous closure of a previously acquired traumatic Gerbode defect in a dog.     

Cervical vertebral anomaly and ventricular septal defect in an Arabian foal

A male Arabian foal born with a cervical mass and no apparent clinical signs presented with a cervical vertebral anomaly and ventricular septal defect. Both congenital anomalies were diagnosed at age 3 weeks and rechecked at age 6 months with radiographs and ultrasonographic studies respectively. At 11 months, in addition to radiographs and Doppler ultrasonographic studies, a contrast ultrasonographic study and post mortem myelographic and computed tomographic studies of the cervical vertebral column revealed the appearance of this rare cervical vertebral anomaly and the severity of the ventricular septal defect. To the authors' knowledge, in the Arabian foal, both conditions have not been reported simultaneously in the same patient.     

Reversible pulmonary hypertension presenting simultaneously with an atrial septal defect and angiostrongylosis in a dog

A one-year-old female neutered beagle was presented with marked abdominal effusion. Echocardiography showed marked dilatation of the right cardiac chambers, an atrial septal defect and severe tricuspid insufficiency. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), evaluated by continuous wave Doppler echocardiography, was very high (80 mmHg), with a right to left interatrial shunt. The radiographic images were compatible with widespread pneumonitis. Numerous larvae of Angiostrongylus vasorum were visible on direct faecal examination. The animal was given fenbendazole for 15 days, combined with diuretics, an antibiotic and a vasodilator. Two weeks later, the dog showed a marked improvement. The treatment, except the anthelmintic, was continued for seven weeks and then stopped. At that stage, Doppler echocardiography revealed that the sPAP had returned to normal (20 mmHg) and the interatrial shunt had reversed (left to right). Eighteen months later, clinical and Doppler echocardiographic examinations were normal.     

Right atrioventricular atresia and ventricular septal defect in a foal

Right atrioventricular atresia with a ventricular septal defect, a rare congenital cardiac anomaly of either animals or man, was diagnosed in a one week old Arabian foal. The foal had been weak and cyanotic since birth, sometimes becoming dyspneic when stressed. Necropsy revealed a dilated and hypertrophied left ventricle with the right ventricle being small. The right atrioventricular valve was absent. The right and left ventricles communicated via a septal defect which was located immediately adjacent to the aortic valve.     

Right ventricular aneurysm and atrial septal defect in a cat

This case report shows the development of a right ventricular aneurysm in a cat with a large atrial septal defect. Despite this complex cardiac pathology, the cat lived normally for more than 4 years and developed fatal congestive heart failure.