Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Double-outlet right ventricle in a 10-month-old Friesian filly.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Fennell, Lc et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital · Australia
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 10-month-old Friesian filly was found to have serious heart problems that were causing symptoms similar to heart failure on both sides of her heart. Tests showed that her blood had abnormal levels of certain substances, and imaging studies revealed that her heart was enlarged and not positioned correctly. Unfortunately, when the filly passed away, a detailed examination confirmed she had a condition called double-outlet right ventricle, which is a heart defect where both main arteries come out of the right side of the heart. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing complex heart issues in horses, and it shows that understanding these conditions is important for providing the right treatment.
Abstract
A 10-month-old Friesian filly had a presentation that was consistent with chronic left- and right-sided congestive heart failure. Clinical pathology findings included abnormal haematological and biochemical variables, abnormal blood gas values and increased serum concentration of cardiac troponin I. Echocardiography revealed cardiac chamber dilation and dextropositioning of the aorta. Radiography revealed a generally enlarged heart and pulmonary interstitial infiltration. These findings were supported at necropsy and the diagnosis of double-outlet right ventricle was confirmed. The pathological changes and physiological responses subsequent to double-outlet right ventricle have not previously been described in detail in horses. Clinical progression closely resembles that seen in humans, in whom antemortem diagnosis relies on echocardiography. In horses, complex cardiac disease presents a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Appropriate therapy must be based on an accurate diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19382930/