Diagnosis and surgical repair of partial atrioventricular septal defects in two dogs

Partial atrioventricular (AV) septal defects consist of an ostium primum defect and malformation of the septal cusp of the mitral valve. A partial AV septal defect was diagnosed by means of echo-cardiography in 2 dogs. Transatrial septal blood flow was high enough in both dogs to warrant surgical correction. Defects were repaired through right fifth intercostal thoracotomies, with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. An incision was made in the right atrium to expose the AV septal defect, and the mitral valve was inspected through the septal defect. The cleft in the septal cusp of the mitral valve was repaired with mattress sutures of 6-0 polypropylene. The septal defect was closed with autogenous pericardium harvested from the right aspect of the pericardial sac. Both dogs survived surgery and were alive 15 and 42 months, respectively, after surgery, however, 1 dog developed progressive mitral regurgitation after surgery. Partial AV septal defects can be successfully repaired in dogs. Long-term prognosis probably depends on the adequacy of the mitral valve repair.