INTERVENTRICULAR COMMUNICATION IN DOG: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Interventricular communication is characterized as a poorly diagnosed congenital heart disease. This study aimed to report the case of a dog diagnosed with ventricular septal defect. A male Yorkshire dog, with 8 months old, was seen at the Veterinary Clinic of UNINGÁ - Ingá University Center, in Maringá-PR. During the anamnesis, its guardian reported that the pet had exercise intolerance and intermittent coughing episodes. On a physical examination, regular cardiac rate auscultation with discrete systolic murmur was observed. Complementary exams were requested, such as: hematological and biochemical evaluation, ventral-dorsal and laterolateral chest X-ray, as well as echocardiography. After the examination results, the pet was diagnosed with interventricular communication, which consists of a congenital cardiomyopathy, characterized by the existence of a hole between the left and right ventricles. The therapeutic protocol was instituted in an attempt to control clinical manifestations, aiming at greater efficiency in cardiac output and arrhythmia control. The drugs prescribed as supportive treatment for the patient were furosemide (3.0 mg / kg) SID for 7 days, used to control mild dyspnea and preload reduction, enalapril maleate (1.0 mg / kg) BID for 30 days and paste with coenzyme Q10 60mg SID for 20 days. After 25 days, pimobendan (0.3 mg / kg) BID was prescribed for 30 days. The pet returned for follow-up five months after the diagnosis of heart disease presenting asymptomatic, showing the regression of clinical signs.