Tricuspid valve dysplasia and Ebstein's anomaly in dogs: case report

Two cases of tricuspid valve dysplasia are reported. Dogs were presented for evaluation of weakness and ascites. In both cases, echocardiography disclosed tricuspid insufficiency and, in one of them, tricuspid leaflets also were displaced down into the right ventricle, substantiating Ebstein's anomaly. Medical therapy for congestive heart failure was initiated. One of the dogs suddenly died shortly after diagnosis was established. Although the other dog recovered much better initially, sudden death also occurred. Postmortem examinations showed right atrioventricular enlargement, and thickened tricuspid leaflets. Clinical features, diagnostic methods and medical therapy are discussed in this paper.