Species: Dog
Condition: Ventricular Septal Defect
Organ System: Urogenital
A hole in the muscular wall of the heart between the right and left ventricle results in the abnormal blood flow within the heart. The condition is hereditary with either one of the parents possessing the capability to pass along the gene to their offspring. The symptoms and prognosis will depend on the size and location of the defect in the heart. Many dogs with small defects may not show any problems however larger VSD may result in blood circulation problems that can force the heart to over-work. The line of treatment involves medications that can alleviate symptoms coupled with a special diet and exercise limitations. A heart murmur should further be subjected to further tests including chest x-rays and echocardiogram. Surgery may be an option but it is seldom practiced.
Breeds exposed to Ventricular Septal Defect – Research Reference
Jack Russell Terrier Cross – (Parker & Foster 1996)
Jack Russell Terrier – (Parker & Foster 1996)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Ventricular Septal Defect or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
