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Disorder - Conotruncal Heart Malformations

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative Names
Conotruncal Heart Defects

Brief Description
    Conotruncal defect refers to a group of malformations of the heart, all of which are related to the heart's central dividing wall and/or the major blood vessels that carry blood out of the heart to either the lungs or the general circulation.

Presenting Signs
    Conotruncal heart malformations are the most common form of heart defect in dogs. The location of the abnormality in the dividing wall, and the heart structures involved, will create different syndromes that have similar presenting signs. Pulmonic stenosis (for more detail see MIA 000842, 001038) causes a pot-bellied appearance due to fluid retention in the abdomen and an enlarged liver. Fluid accumulation in the hindlegs may also be seen. Affected dogs may show signs of reduced ability to exercise, difficulty breathing and stunted growth. Ventricular septal defect (for more detail see MIA 001041) also causes a pot-bellied appearance, with fluid retention and an enlarged liver. Affected dogs will pant a lot and will have trouble breathing. Other signs are weakness and weight loss, and these dogs may have difficulty exercising. If the condition progresses the blood may bypass the lungs so oxygen cannot be absorbed sufficiently. The gums may be bluish due to the resulting low blood oxygen levels. Tetralogy of Fallot is the third defect (for more detail see MIA 000994). Affected animals have severely stunted growth. Their blood cannot carry sufficient oxygen, and this is seen as bluish gums. There will be difficulty breathing, and this worsens with exercise.

Groups Affected
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Shetland sheepdog


Treatment
    Surgical/Medical

Related Disorders
    DiGeorge Syndrome
    Velocardial Facial Syndrome
    Conotruncal Anomaly Face Syndrome
    Subclinical Defects of the Conus Septum
    Conal Ventricular Septal Defect
    Persistent Truncus Arteriosus

PubMed References
Conotruncal Heart Malformations

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
224


Contributor
Mark Baldwin