Valvular pulmonic stenosis in bullmastiffs

The Genetics of Canine Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

There have been recent advancements in understanding the genetic contribution to pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) in brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog and Bulldog. The associated genes are transcriptions factors involved in cardiac development, which is comparable to the genes that cause PS in humans. However, validation studies and functional follow up is necessary before this information can be used for screening purposes.

Congenital Pulmonic Stenosis a Retrospective study of 24 cases seen between 1990-1999

BACKGROUND

PBV is the treatment of choice for humans with pulmonic stenosis and whilst this procedure has been used in dogs the longer term benefits remain to be evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long term effects of pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (PBV) in dogs with congenital pulmonic stenosis, with respect to clinical signs, echocardiographic parameters and survival time. Methods - Pulmonic stenosis was diagnosed in 24 dogs between 1990-1999. Eighteen cases were treated with PBV, six were not treated.

RESULTS

Twelve of the treated cases were alive and asymptomatic at the time of writing. Follow up periods ranged from six months to nine years post PBV. Prior to treatment the mean Doppler pressure gradient across the pulmonic valve was 98mmHg, 24 hours post treatment the mean was 65mmHg and in the long term this was maintained at 64mmHg. Three of the dogs (17 per cent) treated with PBV restenosed during the follow up period. Four of the six untreated dogs were alive at the time of writing, two to four and a half years after presentation. The mean Doppler gradient for this group was 89 mm Hg on presentation.

CONCLUSION

At this stage in the follow up period there is no significant difference in survival times between the treated and untreated groups. However, symptomatic dogs with pulmonic stenosis treated with PBV have experienced a reduction in clinical signs and therefore an improved quality of life.

Congenital heart diseases in small animals: part II. Potential genetic aetiologies based on human genetic studies

Comparative genetics provides veterinary researchers and clinicians with invaluable information for the understanding the possible genetic aetiologies and the disease process in congenital heart defects (CHDs) of dogs and cats. Although, the demand on this type of research has increased in the veterinary field, to date no fundamental genetic studies have been reported in the veterinary literature. In this second part of a two-part review, the general features and pathogenesis of major CHDs in humans and small animals are discussed. In addition, the known genetic aetiologies in human CHDs have been considered in parallel to CHDs in small animals.

Pulmonic stenosis in two cats

The clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic features of two cases of pulmonic stenosis in cats are presented. A rarely reported combination of pulmonic stenosis and tricuspid valve dysplasia is described.