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Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve anomaly in two dogs
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 West Hazelwood, Urbana, IL 61802.
Summary
Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV), a rare heart defect, was identified in two young male dogs. This finding marks the first reported instance of QAV in canine veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Congenital heart defects can affect canine health and require accurate diagnosis.
- The aortic valve typically has three leaflets (tricuspid); variations can lead to cardiac dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented cases of quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) in dogs.
- To describe the diagnostic features and implications of QAV in canine patients.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to investigate heart murmurs in two one-year-old male dogs.
- Echocardiographic images were analyzed for valve morphology, specifically the number of commissures.
- Color flow Doppler assessed for aortic regurgitation.
- Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis in one case.
Main Results:
- Two cases of congenital quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) were diagnosed in one-year-old male dogs.
- Echocardiography revealed an "X" configuration of the QAV during diastole, differing from the normal "Y" pattern.
- Mild aortic regurgitation was detected, but dogs showed no signs of disability.
Conclusions:
- Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a previously unreported congenital cardiac anomaly in dogs.
- Echocardiography is effective in diagnosing QAV, identifying characteristic diastolic valve configurations.
- While QAV can be associated with aortic regurgitation, it may not cause clinical signs in all cases.
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