Multiple cardiac anomalies in a family of Saluki dogs

Clinical studies of a family of Saluki dogs demonstrated a spectrum of cardiac malformations, which ranged from mild thickening of a pulmonic valve leaflet to a complex condition composed of tricuspid valve insufficiency, pulmonic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, and mitral valve insufficiency. All affected dogs had patent ductus arteriosus or ductus diverticulum, which is an incomplete or atypical form of patent ductus arteriosus. The clinical findings varied with the type of cardiac lesion(s) found. Pedigree evaluation suggested a genetic cause, though environmental factors could not be excluded.