Tricuspid valve dysplasia in dogs

Abstract

A general overview of tricuspid valve dysplasia in dogs is presented in this review. This congenital disease has been described in numerous large dog breeds but especially the Labrador retriever is predisposed. The condition is relatively uncommon, with a prevalence of approximately seven percent of all congenital heart diseases in dogs. The asymptomatic phase may last for several years and depends on the severity of the valve malformation. In the clinical phase, exercise intolerance, fatigue, anorexia, cardiac cachexia, dyspnea and signs of right-sided congestive heart failure can be present. Echocardiography including Doppler imaging is warranted to confirm the diagnosis. Curative treatment involves surgical valve replacement but is technically challenging and still in its experimental phase in dogs. As such, treatment in dogs involves the administration of supportive medication once the dogs develop symptoms of congestive heart failure and consists of diuretics, ace-inhibitors and positive inotropic drugs.