Gerbode defect associated with blunt trauma in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Canine Traumatology

Background:

• Traumatic cardiac injuries in animals can lead to complex hemodynamic alterations.
• Understanding the progression of cardiac defects post-trauma is crucial for effective management.
• This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing post-traumatic cardiac complications in dogs.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old Labrador retriever presented with ventricular arrhythmia 12 hours after being struck by a car.
• Echocardiography revealed a subaortic paramembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) with left-to-right shunting into the right atrium (Gerbode defect).
• A right-to-left shunting atrial septal defect (ASD) and subsequent pleural and peritoneal effusions were also observed.

Findings:

• Initial right-to-left shunting across the ASD reversed to left-to-right by 15 days post-trauma.
• Persistent left-to-right shunting across the VSD was noted.
• Resolution of cavitary effusions occurred by 15 days post-trauma.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the dynamic nature of traumatic cardiac septal defects in canines.
• Early diagnosis and monitoring of VSD and ASD are vital for managing post-traumatic cardiac dysfunction.
• Findings underscore the need for comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation following significant blunt force trauma in veterinary patients.