Tetralogy of Fallot in Dogs

What is Tetralogy of Fallot?

Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare but dangerous combination developed deformed when the pup is still embryonic. In a dog with tetralogy of Fallot, heart and major blood vessels has not been well developed. This dog has four defects: ventricular septum defect, pulmonic stenosis, top up the aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy secondary to pulmonic stenosis.

A dog with ventricular septum defect have impaired or hole in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. A dog with pulmonic stenosis suffer some obstruction of blood flow that runs from the right side of the heart through the pulmonic valve. When it comes to the aorta, not in a position at the right place at the dog with tetralogy of Fallot.

Breeds dog riskier Tetralogy of Fallot

Mode of inheritance is believed recessive austosomal problem with variable expression, and affected puppies should not be used to breed, and should not be parents. Brother can be used to multiply, but only after careful examination. In relation to other nations, Keeshond and the English bulldog is at higher risk than those born with tetralogy of Fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms in dogs

Tetralogy of Fallot severity of the symptoms will depend on how severe the difference. In dogs with mild tetralogy of Fallot, the only symptom may be a heart murmurs can see the vet for a physical exam. The pulmonic stenosis can be very light so never cause significant problems for the dog.

In many cases, Tetralogy of Fallot, but will cause problems for the dog. The symptoms are often observed when the dog is still a puppy. An affected dog may for instance be weakened and exercise intolerance. It can also fail to grow as big and heavy as it should. In some dogs, pink mucous membranes will be gray too bad because blood oxygen.

Tetralogy of Fallot where the dog does not light, the average survival time is not more than 1-2 years without treatment. Available treatments can prolong life dog, but is only effective in about 50 percent of cases. Even with medicine, the dog should be forced to limited activity level throughout the entire life.

Tetralogy of Fallot treatment for dogs

Medical and surgical treatments can be used to manage this condition, but open heart surgery is required if you want to cure the problem. Open heart surgery is very dangerous for dogs. If your dog weighs 10 pounds minimum, less dangerous type of heart surgery are available, but this will only work for the lighter effect of tetralogy of Fallot, does not cure the condition. This procedure will remove bad blood oxygen into the lungs of dogs. Types of cardiac surgery is helpful for about 50% of the dogs, but even in cases where the procedure is successful you should limit activity level of your dog. In addition to cardiac surgery, medication can create a better life for a dog with tetralogy of Fallot. Beta-adrenergic blockers may for example reduce muscle obstruction can occur as a result of the pulmonic stenosis. This will allow a large amount of blood flow to the lungs.