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."

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.
Dog Enlarged Heart (DCM) Dog enlarged heart of DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopahty) is a common heart problem in dogs. Click Here to learn more about this condition.

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Do you have a Dog Heart related question for our Editors or a Helpful Story to Share? Please include information such as age, sex, breed, medical history (past diagnosis), medications your dog is taking, recent changes in behavior (lethargy, appetite), etc. Pictures are also helpful in identifying problems such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

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What Other Readers Have Asked about Dog Eye Problems and Answers from our Vet

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Nelson, O.R. - "Home Care of the Heart Failure Patient"Washington State University.

Dukes, Joanne, "Caniine Heart Disease", MRCVS Department of Veterinary Medicine University, Glasgow Veterinary School, Scotland, UK

Hearty Dog,http://www.heartydog.co.uk/index.shtml

Hines, Ron DVM, PHD?Heat Disease in Dogs and Cats?

Heart Conditions: KilatedCardiomyophaty (DCM) "Treatment for Rapid Heart Beat" Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue

New Hope Animal Hospital, Canine Cardiology,"His Heart is In Your Hands"

Pawprints & Purrs, Inc, "Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure"

"Hole in Dog's Heart Repaired?, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

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