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Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia - Issue Description

Issue Name

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

Other Names
TVD

Issue Description

The atrioventricular (AV) valves in the heart ensure that the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart beats. Malformation (dysplasia) of the right atrioventricular (tricuspid) valve causes backflow of blood into the right atrium, or tricuspid regurgitation. There may also be narrowing (stenosis) of the valve.

Due to the dysplastic valve, the heart works less efficiently.

Symptoms

Often animals will live for several years without developing heart disease. More severely affected animals with a greater degree of regurgitation and/or stenosis across the defective valve, will develop right-sided heart failure. Signs may include cool limbs and a distended abdomen due to an enlarged liver or build-up of fluid. Your dog may also have a reduced tolerance for exercise and may experience fainting or collapse due to an abnormal heart rhythm.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian may detect a heart murmur long before your dog is showing any signs associated with a tricuspid defect. Further investigation by radiographs and electrocardiogram may reveal some of the changes that occur in the heart over time, as it works harder to compensate for the insufficiency of the tricuspid valve. Some of the changes that may be seen include enlargement of the right side of the heart and abnormal heart rhythms.

Causes

The mode of inheritance is undefined.

Breeds Most Affected
This is mostly seen in larger breeds:

Borzoi

Boxer

German Shepherd

Great Dane

Great Pyrenees

Irish Setter

Labrador Retriever

Newfoundland

Old English Sheepdog

Weimaraner

Tricuspid dysplasia is more common in males than females.

Treatment

It may be many years before heart disease develops. If and when it does, your veterinarian can recommend several medical therapies to ease life for your dog. Depending on the stage of heart disease, these may include a special sodium-restricted diet, exercise restriction, diuretics to reduce fluid build-up, and medication to support the failing heart. The defective valve itself can not be replaced surgically at this time.

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