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Common names or abbreviations:
 | Tricuspid valve
dysplasia |
| TVD |
Description or definition:
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Tricuspid
valve dysplasia (TVD) is a congenital (present at birth) deformation in
the heart valve that separates the right atrium and the right ventricle.
The
right atrium takes blood from the veins of the body that is low in
oxygen. This blood then flows into the right ventricle which
contracts and sends the blood to the lungs to get oxygen. The
tricuspid valve allows blood to flow in one direction only from the
right atrium to the right ventricle when the heart beats.
Malformation (dysplasia) of the right atrioventricular (tricuspid) valve
causes backflow of blood into the right atrium. This backflow of
blood is called tricuspid regurgitation. Some puppies with
this condition may also have abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the valve.
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Although
this condition is present from birth, many puppies with TVD do not show
any clinical symptoms and appear healthy. The severity of the
symptoms are directly related to the size of the leak. Dogs with
mild cases of tricuspid dysplasia will likely have a normal life span.
More severely affected animals with a greater degree of regurgitation
and/or stenosis across the defective valve, will eventually develop
right‑sided heart failure. In the most severe cases, the
lifespan is usually 1-3 years.
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Symptoms:
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Leakage
from a dysplastic tricuspid valve that is significant enough to cause
health problems is usually detectable as a heart murmur through the use
of a stethoscope. Sometimes the leakage is so severe that it can
be felt by placing a hand on the right side of the chest. This
buzzing sensation is called a “thrill".
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Other
signs of heart disease may include cool limbs and a distended abdomen
due to an enlarged liver or build‑up of fluid. The dog may
also have a reduced tolerance for exercise and may experience
fainting or collapse due to an abnormal heart rhythm.
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Diagnosis:
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Most
experienced veterinarians can diagnose a heart murmur simply by
listening with a stethoscope. If a heart murmur or thrill is
detected in a young dog, an echocardiogram (ultrasound),
electrocardiograph (ECG/EKG), and raidiographs (X Ray) should be done to
confirm the diagnosis and stage the disease. Some of the changes
that may be seen might include enlargement of the right side of the
heart and abnormal heart rhythms.
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Check
here for OFA heart clinics in your area: ttp://www.offa.org/clinics.html
Treatment:
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Treatment
depends on the stage of heart disease and the severity of the condition.
Dogs with very mild cases may live a normal life without the need for any
veterinary intervention. In other cases it may be years before dogs
with this condition develop symptoms. Even dogs with severe TVD may
not exhibit any symptoms until they are actually in congestive heart
failure. Treatment may include a special sodium‑restricted
diet, exercise restriction, diuretics to reduce fluid
build‑up, and medication to support the failing heart.
However, once symptoms of congestive heart failure occur, the affected dog
usually deteriorates rapidly. Unfortunately, at this point in time
the defective valve itself is usually not able to be replaced or repaired
surgically.
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For
more information on heart disease, or if you are concerned about whether
your dog has a heart condition, contact your veterinarian.
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Links to sites about this disease:
This summary provided by:
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Jessica
in Arizona
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