Canine Congenital Heart Disease"Canine Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is a term that is used to describe many heart conditions including holes in the heart, enlarged hearts and other deformities. These conditions are present at birth and are genetic in nature." When your dog is born with a heart problem it is called canine congenital heart disease. Common congenital heart problems include: Hole in the Heart (Atrial Septal Defect) – When there is a hole connecting the heart’s two upper chambers. This canine congenital heart disease can be repaired with surgery in the same way a human heart can be treated. The procedure is performed by inserting a catheter through the dogs arm or kneck. Patent Ductus Arteriosus – When in the womb there is a blood vessel that directs blood away from the lungs. If this blood vessel doesn’t close when born, patent ductus arteriosus occurs. Pulmonic Stenosis – When there is a blocked connection between the right side of the heart and the lungs. Aortic Stenosis – When there is a blocked connection between the left side of the heart and your dog’s body. Mitral Dysplasia – A leaky mitral valve causes this condition and is being seen with increasing frequency in Bull Terriers and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. When a mitroal valuve leaks, the left ventricle of the heart contracts causing some blood to leak backward into the left atrium (called Mitral Regurgitation). Mitral Stenosis – If the mitral valve is narrow and leaks, blood has trouble passing from the left atrium to the left ventricle (where the blood pumps). Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – Dog enlarged heart. Click Here to Learn More About Canine Congenital Heart Disease
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Sources: Nelson, O.R. - "Home Care of the Heart Failure Patient"Washington State University.
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