Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ascites and poor growth in two dogs fixed by heart surgery
By Mitten, R W et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2001·Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Diagnosis and management of cor triatriatum dexter in a Pyrenean mountain dog and an Akita Inu.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A young Pyrenean Mountain Dog and an Akita Inu were both brought in for swelling in their bellies (ascites) and poor growth. After an ultrasound and further tests, vets found they had a rare heart condition called cor triatriatum dexter, where the right atrium is divided into two parts. Both dogs underwent surgery to remove the extra tissue in their hearts, and the procedure was successful. They both recovered well, their symptoms improved, and they grew to a normal size.
People also search for: dog belly swelling treatment · Pyrenean Mountain Dog heart condition · Akita Inu poor growth symptoms
Abstract
Cor Triatriatum Dexter is a rare, congenital cardiac defect in which the right atrium is partitioned into two compartments, effectively creating a triatrial heart. The clinical signs exhibited by the patient usually relate to impeded venous return via the caudal vena cava. The two dogs in this report both displayed ascites from a young age and grew poorly. In both cases the diagnosis was made during echocardiographic examination and was confirmed by angiography. Both dogs were successfully treated by resection of the partitioning membrane within the right atrium, using hypothermia and inflow occlusion to achieve a clear surgical field. Both dogs recovered well, their clinical signs resolved and they have grown to normal adult size.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11301744/