Transmembrane stent placement for cor triatriatum dexter in six dogs

OBJECTIVESReport the long-term outcomes following transmembrane stent placement as a therapy for Cor Triatriatum Dexter (CTD). MATERIALS AND METHODSRetrospective case series including six dogs with CTD treated with transmembrane stent placement. Follow-up information was obtained including the persistence of presenting clinical signs, additional therapies required, and survival. RESULTSThe median follow-up time was 24 months (range 15-76 months). Long-term outcome was deemed excellent in four dogs (67%), good/fair in one dog (17%), and poor in one dog (17%). Three dogs had persistence of clinical signs of variable severity. These three dogs were Labrador Retrievers or their crosses with varying degrees of tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD), two of which also had a right to left shunting patent foramen ovale (PFO). One of these three dogs died 23 months post-stent placement during attempted open-heart repair of the TVD and PFO. Another is alive 15 months post-operatively stable on medical therapy for right-sided congestive heart failure secondary to TVD. The final dog demonstrated improved but persistent mild exercise intolerance up to 76 months post-operatively associated with mild TVD and a concurrent PFO. CONCLUSIONSTransmembrane stent placement for CTD is a viable long-term treatment option with improvement or resolution of clinical signs. In the presence of concurrent congenital heart disease, specifically Labradors with TVD, additional therapies may be necessary with a corresponding impact on prognosis.