Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

TL;DR. Congenital right-sided heart valve malformation, mainly in large-breed dogs; can cause ascites, pleural effusion, and lifelong medical management needs.

Malformed tricuspid apparatus allows backward flow on the right side of the heart.

Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

The tricuspid valve should stop blood from leaking from the right ventricle back into the right atrium. In TVD, leaflets, chordae, or papillary muscles are malformed, causing regurgitation (or less often stenosis), right-heart enlargement, and eventual right-sided congestive failure with ascites and/or pleural effusion.

Causes et facteurs de risque

Congenital/heritable malformation during fetal development. Uncommon overall; seen more in large breeds such as Labrador Retriever, Boxer, German Shepherd Dog, English Bulldog, and Bullmastiff. Hereditary transmission is documented in Labradors.

Signes à surveiller

• Abdominal distention/ascites (common)
• Dyspnea from pleural effusion (common)
• Exercise intolerance; jugular distention/pulsation (common)
• Right-sided murmur; arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (common)
• Anorexia, muffled sounds, cardiac cachexia (occasional)

Ascites is a common sign of advanced right-sided failure.

Comment les vétérinaires diagnostiquent

Exam (right-sided murmur, jugular signs, fluid). Gold standard: echocardiography with Doppler. Thoracic radiographs for cardiomegaly/effusion. ECG for chamber enlargement and arrhythmias.

Options de traitement

Lifelong medical management of right-sided failure: diuretics, diet/sodium guidance, antiarrhythmics when needed, abdominocentesis/thoracocentesis for comfort, activity modulation. Cardiology referral guides advanced plans.

Pronostic

Depends on severity. Mild TVD may stay quiet for years; severe disease can cause early heart failure. Arrhythmias and refractory ascites worsen outlook.

Prévention

Do not breed affected dogs. Screen high-risk lines with cardiology echo before breeding. Early detection of murmurs in puppies.

Quand appeler le vétérinaire

Call for pot-bellied swelling, labored breathing, fainting, or sudden exercise collapse. Emergency for severe dyspnea or collapse.

Sources

• Clinical Echocardiography of the Dog and Cat; Small Animal Internal Medicine references as in the English master article.

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