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Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
CardiovascularAll SpeciesNew
Key Points
  • Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are congenital cardiac defects characterised by an abnormal opening in the interventricular septum, allowing blood to flow between the ventricles
  • Small defects are often asymptomatic and may close spontaneously
  • Larger defects can result in pulmonary overcirculation, volume overload and congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Frequently seen in dogs but can occur in most species
  • Echocardiography is the gold standard tool for diagnosis
  • Medical management is used to treat CHF and for palliation of Eisenmenger’s syndrome
    • Surgical repair is not commonly performed in veterinary medicine
  • Responsible breeding is the mainstay of prevention
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)
  2. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
  3. Atrial septal defect
  4. Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)
  5. Pulmonic stenosis
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →