Cardiac computed tomography of the canine mitral and tricuspid valves

Cardiac computed tomography (cCT) has emerged as a valuable imaging modality in veterinary cardiology and can be used to visualize and understand diseases that affect the mitral and tricuspid valves of dogs. While echocardiography remains the primary diagnostic tool for atrioventricular valve disease, cCT offers excellent spatial and temporal resolution, at the same time overcoming the limitations posed by acoustic windows. This review article describes the technical aspects of cCT in dogs emphasizing administration of contrast medium, electrocardiographic gating, and scan timing. Specific recommendations and protocols for imaging the atrioventricular valves in dogs are discussed. Clinical applications for cCT of the atrioventricular valves include evaluation of congenital malformations, such as dysplasia and stenosis, and assessment of acquired conditions like degenerative valve disease and neoplasia. Cardiac CT enables precise visualization of valve anatomy, chamber volumes, and may assist in postprocedural evaluations for transcatheter device placement and surgical implant integrity. Advanced postprocessing techniques - such as volume rendering, virtual reality, and three-dimensional printing - enhance anatomical understanding and procedural planning. Cardiac CT is a transformative tool in veterinary cardiology, offering unparalleled anatomical and functional insights. As mechanical therapies for atrioventricular valve disease become more common in veterinary practice, cCT is likely to become a required tool for pre procedural planning as it has been in human medicine.