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Common atrioventricular canal in a foal.
P Ecke1, R Malik, N J Kannegieter
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Congenital heart disease in a foal caused pulmonary edema. Echocardiography revealed an atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular valve dysplasia, confirmed by necropsy as a persistent common atrioventricular canal.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Equine Medicine
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital heart disease is a significant concern in young animals.
- Pulmonary edema can be a severe consequence of cardiac dysfunction in foals.
- Early diagnosis and understanding of cardiac defects are crucial for prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of congenital heart disease in a foal.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and post-mortem results.
- To highlight the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing complex cardiac malformations.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of a 3-week-old Thoroughbred colt presenting with weakness and cyanosis.
- Echocardiographic evaluation to visualize cardiac structures and identify defects.
- Necropsy to confirm the cardiac abnormalities.
Main Results:
- The foal exhibited a pansystolic regurgitant murmur and signs of pulmonary edema.
- Echocardiography identified a large atrial septal defect, a high ventricular septal defect, and atrioventricular valve dysplasia.
- Necropsy confirmed a persistent common atrioventricular canal.
Conclusions:
- Persistent common atrioventricular canal is a severe congenital heart defect in foals.
- This condition can lead to significant clinical signs including pulmonary edema.
- Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment is vital for diagnosing complex congenital cardiac defects in equine neonates.