Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Balloon and cutting treatment for severe heart narrowing in six dogs
By Sykes, K T et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology·2020·College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Palliative combined cutting and high-pressure balloon valvuloplasty in six dogs with severe, symptomatic subaortic stenosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of six dogs with severe subaortic stenosis (a heart defect) showed symptoms like difficulty breathing and fatigue. They underwent a special procedure called combined cutting and high-pressure balloon valvuloplasty to help improve their heart function. After the treatment, all dogs showed some clinical improvement, with reduced need for diuretics and better overall health as reported by their owners. However, three dogs died suddenly, one was euthanized due to recurring symptoms, and one dog lived for 44 months after the procedure. This treatment may help dogs with severe heart issues, but outcomes can vary.
People also search for: dog heart defect treatment · subaortic stenosis in dogs · heart surgery for dogs · symptoms of congestive heart failure in dogs · palliative care for dogs with heart disease
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Severe subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart defect in dogs that often results in clinical signs and reduced survival. The objective of this study was to describe characteristics of dogs with severe, symptomatic SAS who underwent combined cutting and high-pressure balloon valvuloplasty (CB/HPBV). ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: Retrospective description of the clinical characteristics, CB/HPBV procedural deviations from reported methodology and outcomes in a series of six client-owned dogs with severe, symptomatic SAS. RESULTS: Breeds included two each of Newfoundland, Golden retriever, and German shepherd. Median age was 10.1 months (range: 5-72.3 months), and median weight was 25.5 kg (range: 21.8-36.4 kg). Before CB/HPBV, clinical signs were present in all dogs; four were managed for congestive heart failure (CHF). Three dogs had concurrent congenital heart disease. Median Doppler-estimated left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient was pre-operatively 149.7 mmHg (range: 89.9-254.7 mmHg) and post-operatively 134.1 mmHg (range: 83.9-181.2 mmHg). Median aortoseptal angle was steep at 136° (range: 109-143°). Clinical improvement was documented in all dogs, based on temporary discontinuation of diuretics and/or owner-perceived reduction in clinical signs. At the time of writing, three dogs had died suddenly, one was euthanized because of recurrence of clinical signs, and one died in CHF. Median survival time was 26.4 months after procedure (range: 6.3-45.8 months). One dog remained alive at 44 months after procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative CB/HPBV is a potential therapeutic option for dogs with severe, symptomatic SAS complicated by concurrent congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, or CHF.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32977126/