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Aortic stenosis (AS) and pulmonic stenosis (PS) are two of the most common canine congenital heart diseases (CHD), with a high relative risk for Newfoundland dogs to develop inherited subvalvular AS. For this reason, a cardiovascular screening program has been set up by the French Newfoundland kennel club in order to manage mattings and reduce AS prevalence. The records of untreated and non-anesthetized adult Newfoundland dogs screened between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All dogs underwent physical examination and standard transthoracic echocardiography with concomitant ECG tracing. All examinations were reviewed by one single board-certified specialist in cardiology. A total of 921 dogs were screened during the study period (female:male sex ratio = 1.94, median age [IQR] = 1.9 years [1.6-2.7], body weight = 55.0 kg [50-60]). For most dogs (90.6% for AS and 91% PS), a single examination was required to obtain a definitive cardiac status, although most operators (122/133 = 91.7%) were non-specialist general practitioners. Out of the 921 screened dogs, 913/921 (99.1%) and 919/921 (99.8%) were respectively free of AS and PS, with no AS and PS detection during the last 3 years of the program. The inbreeding coefficient, which was assessed from the pedigree analysis of all screened dogs except one, was not significantly different between dogs with either AS (0.59%; P = 0.86) or PS (0.39%; P = 0.72) and those without any arterial stenosis (0.39%). This 14-year cardiovascular screening program has experienced a strong involvement of veterinarians, breeders, and owners throughout France. Unlike reports from other European and North American countries, this program suggests the low and decreasing prevalence of both AS and PS in the Newfoundland breed in France.

Background Velocity ratio, velocity time integral (VTI) ratio, and pulmonary valve area indexed to body surface area (iPVA) are methods of assessment of pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) severity that are less dependent on blood flow. Studies evaluating these methods are limited. Objectives To determine the effects of butorphanol, atenolol, and balloon valvuloplasty (BV) on velocity ratio, VTI ratio, iPVA, mean PG, and max PG. Animals Twenty‐seven dogs with PS (max PG >50 mm Hg). Methods Prospective study. All dogs underwent an echocardiogram at baseline, 5‐minutes after administration of butorphanol (0.2‐0.25 mg/kg IV), and 2‐to‐4 weeks after atenolol (1‐1.5 mg/kg q12h). Twenty‐one of these were evaluated 24‐hours after BV. Results There were no significant differences (P > .05) amongst any of the methods of assessment of PS severity after butorphanol. After atenolol, mean (SD) of mean (57.0 [21.0] mm Hg) and max PG (93.1 [33.8] mm Hg) were significantly decreased (P ≤ .047) compared with baseline (65.2 [26.2] mm Hg and 108 [44.4] mm Hg, respectively). After atenolol, there were no significant (P ≥ .12) differences in velocity ratio (0.29 [0.09]), VTI ratio (0.18 [0.05]), or iPVA (0.43 [0.16] cm2/m2) compared with baseline (0.30 [0.09], 0.19 [0.09], 0.44 [0.17] cm2/m2, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Atenolol might reduce mean and max PG but does not alter less flow‐dependent methods of assessment of PS severity (velocity ratio, VTI ratio, and iPVA) in dogs with PS. Results support an integrative approach to assessment of PS severity that includes less flow‐dependent methods, particularly in states of altered flow or right ventricular function.

Background Indices combining diastolic and systolic tissue Doppler variables, the Ee′s′ index (E/[e′ × s′]) and e′a′s′ index (e′/[a′ × s′]), have aided detection of myocardial dysfunction and in prediction of poor outcomes in humans with cardiovascular diseases. Studies of Ee′s′ and e′a′s′ indices in dogs have not been performed. Hypothesis/Objectives Dogs with pulmonary stenosis (PS) have elevated right ventricular (RV) Ee′s′ and e′a′s′ indices compared to healthy dogs, which will decrease after pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (BV) or stent implantation. Animals Thirty client‐owned dogs (15 healthy, 15 with PS). Methods Cross‐sectional study. All dogs had echocardiography performed, including the measurement of RV diastolic and systolic variables and calculation of the Ee′s′ and e′a′s′ indices. Dogs with PS had echocardiography performed prior to and after interventional procedures. Results The Ee′s′ index was lower (p = < 0.001) in healthy dogs (median 0.43, range 0.23–0.74) compared to dogs with PS pre‐operatively (1.49, 0.28–3.79). The e′a′s′ index was lower (p = 0.039) in healthy dogs (mean 8.03 ± 3.28) compared to dogs with PS pre‐operatively (11.39 ± 4.03). Compared to pre‐operative values, the Ee′s′ index (1.01, 0.36–1.62) and e′a′s′ index (8.35 ± 3.29) decreased (p = 0.018, p = 0.001, respectively) after pulmonary intervention in dogs with PS. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Dogs with PS have RV myocardial dysfunction that can be measured with Ee′s′ and e′a′s′ indices, and these values can be used to monitor response to pulmonary intervention over time. These findings suggest that calculation of Ee′s′ and e′a′s′ indices might have clinical importance in long‐term management of dogs with PS.

Background The effects of general anesthesia (GA) on less flow‐dependent (velocity ratio, velocity time integral [VTI] ratio and indexed pulmonary valve area [iPVA]) and flow‐dependent (mean [PVmeanPG] and maximum pressure gradient [PVmaxPG]) indices of severity of pulmonary stenosis (PS) are unclear. Objectives Determine the effects of GA on indices of severity of PS in dogs undergoing an interventional procedure (IP). Determine the reproducibility of indices of severity of PS. Animals Thirty‐nine dogs with PS. Methods Prospective cross‐sectional study. Five repeated echocardiograms were performed over 3 days. Day 1: two echocardiograms were performed by 2 different operators. Day 2: echocardiograms were performed before and after GA but before IP. Day 3: an echocardiogram was performed after the IP. Results After GA, median (IQR) cardiac index (2.1 [1.6–2.6] L/min/m2), PVmeanPG (45.0 [26.0–55.2] mmHg), PVmaxPG (76.6 [46.6–100.3] mmHg) were decreased (p ≤0 $$ \\le 0 $$ .001) compared to before GA (2.8 [2.2–3.0] L/min/m2, 55.9 [47.6–73.1] mmHg, 96.1 [81.6–127.0] mmHg, respectively). There were no differences (p ≥0 $$ \\ge 0 $$ .35) in velocity ratio, VTI ratio, or iPVA after GA. Intra‐operator and inter‐operator coefficients of variation (95% CI) were highest for iPVA (13.8% [10.4–18.4] and 13.5% [11.0–18.4], respectively) and lowest for velocity ratio (9.2% [7.7–12.3] and 9.3% [7.7–12.4], respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance PVmeanPG and PVmaxPG might be misleading in states of reduced flow. An integrative assessment of severity of PS that includes less flow‐dependent indices is recommended. Reproducibility of indices of severity of PS should be considered when re‐evaluating dogs with PS.

Ventricular outflow tract obstructions including aortic (AS) and pulmonic stenosis (PS) are the most common canine congenital heart diseases, with Boxer dogs being predominantly affected. This has led to the French Boxer club adopting a mandatory national control program against AS and PS. The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the results of 17 years of this cardiovascular breed screening program (2005-2021). The records of untreated and non-anesthetized adult Boxer dogs screened between 2005 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All dogs underwent physical examination and standard transthoracic echocardiography with concomitant ECG tracing. All examinations were reviewed by one single board-certified specialist in cardiology. Out of the 3126 dogs screened during the study period, 3001 dogs (female:male sex ratio = 2.2, median age [IQR] = 1.6 years [1.2-2.1]) were recruited for data analysis. A total of 218 operators were involved in the screening program. For most Boxer dogs (i.e., 93.8% for AS and 94.5% for PS), a single examination was required to obtain a definitive cardiac status, although most operators were non-specialist general practitioners. A left basilar systolic heart murmur was detected in all dogs with AS and PS, but also in 7.4% dogs free of heart diseases. A significantly higher proportion of the latter was detected when operators were board-certified specialists (P<0.001). Lastly, when comparing the start and the end of the breeding program, among dogs diagnosed with AS and PS (n = 364) in a French referral cardiology center, Boxer went from the 1st affected breed by AS to the 3rd, and from the 3rd affected breed by PS to the 6th. This 17-year screening program has experienced a strong involvement of veterinarians, breeders, and owners throughout France. This may have contributed to reduce AS and PS prevalence in Boxer dogs at the studied referral cardiology center.

A 2‐year‐old American Pit Bull dog was presented for surgical evaluation of imperforate cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Echocardiography identified an imperforate CTD associated with a right‐to‐left shunting PFO and valvular pulmonary stenosis. A 2‐step interventional and surgical approach was used. Initially, a pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty was performed, and subsequently the dog underwent a surgical correction of the atrial anomaly under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy currently described in humans and cats. It consists of a spongy myocardium characterized by prominent trabeculation and deep recesses involving more than 50% of the ventricular thickness. We describe the clinical and pathological features of LVNC combined with tricuspid valve dysplasia, double-orifice tricuspid valve and severe pulmonary stenosis in a puppy. In addition, we briefly review the LVNC causes, pathogenesis, forms and current diagnostic criteria. Case presentation A seven-week-old intact German Shorthaired Pointer-cross male was presented with a poor body condition, exercise intolerance and dyspnea. Clinical exam identified a bilateral systolic murmur (grade IV/VI over the right heart base and grade III/VI over the left heart base). Echocardiography identified tricuspid valve dysplasia, mild mitral regurgitation, and severe pulmonic stenosis with a trans-valvar systolic pressure gradient of 106 mmHg. Left ventricular noncompaction was diagnosed by necropsy and further confirmed histopathologically by the presence of two distinct myocardial layers: an inner noncompacted zone covering more than 50% of ventricular thickness containing prominent trabeculation and deep recesses, and an outer zone of compact myocardium. Conclusions This is the first case describing LVNC in a canine patient, supporting the introduction of this form of heart disease as a differential diagnosis for cardiomyopathies in juvenile and adult dogs.

Background Congenital pulmonary valve stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus are common congenital heart defects in dogs. However, concurrence of atypical pulmonary valve stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus is uncommon. This report describes the anatomic, histopathologic, and echocardiographic features in a dog with concomitant pulmonary valve stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus with atypical pulmonary valve dysplasia that included a fibrous band of tissue. Case presentation A 1.5-year-old intact female Chihuahua dog weighing 3.3 kg presented with a continuous grade VI cardiac murmur, poor exercise tolerance, and an intermittent cough. Echocardiography indicated pulmonary valve stenosis, a thickened dysplastic valve without annular hypoplasia, and a type IIA patent ductus arteriosus. The pulmonary valve was thick line-shaped in systole and dome-shaped towards the right ventricular outflow tract in diastole. The dog suffered a fatal cardiac arrest during an attempted balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Necropsy revealed pulmonary valve dysplasia, commissural fusion, and incomplete opening and closing of the pulmonary valve because of a fibrous band of tissue causing adhesion between the right ventricular outflow tract and the dysplastic intermediate cusp of the valve. Conclusions A fibrous band of tissue between the right ventricular outflow track and the pulmonary valve should be considered as a cause of pulmonary valve stenosis. Pulmonary valve stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus can have conflicting effects on diastolic and systolic dysfunction, respectively. Therefore, beta-blockers should always be used carefully, particularly in patients with a heart defect where there is concern about left ventricular systolic function.

[...]an ASA III status was assigned to 39 patients (85 per cent) and an ASA IV to seven patients (15 per cent). [...]the results of the present study are quite similar to Ramos' one.

The aims of this study were to investigate the role and relative importance of auscultation and echocardiography traits as risk factors for the diagnosis of subaortic (SubAS) and pulmonic (PS) stenosis and to estimate the heritability (h2) of cardiac measurements taken through echocardiography for a random sample of Italian Boxer dogs. The data were cardiovascular examination results of 1,283 Italian Boxer dogs (686 females and 597 males) enrolled in the national screening program for heart defects arranged by the Italian Boxer Club. Examinations were performed during a 6-yr period by a group of 7 veterinary cardiologists following a standard protocol. Occurrence and severity of SubAS and PS were diagnosed, taking into account clinical and echocardiography findings such as the grade of cardiac murmur, direct ultrasound imaging of the anatomic obstructive lesions, and values of aortic or pulmonary blood flow velocities. A Bayesian logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and echocardiography variables related to SubAS and PS diagnosis. Estimation of variance components for clinical and echocardiography traits was performed using a mixed linear animal model, Bayesian procedures, and the Gibbs sampler. Prevalence of SubAS (PS) was 8.4% (2.2) and 10.7% (6.4) for female and male dogs, respectively. Cardiac murmur, peak velocities, and annulus areas behaved as risk factors for SubAS and PS. The risk of a positive diagnosis for SubAS was 3 times greater for dogs with aortic annulus area <2.1 cm2 relative to dogs with areas >2.37 cm2, 84 times greater for dogs showing aortic peak velocities >2.19 m/s relative to dogs with peak velocities <1.97 m/s, and 41 times greater for dogs with moderate to severe murmur grades relative to dogs with absent murmur. Similar results were obtained for PS. The estimated h2 for the occurrence of cardiac defects was 23.3% for SubAS and 8.6% for PS. Echocardiography and cardiac murmur grades exhibited moderate h2 estimates and exploitable additive genetic variation. The estimated h2 was 36, 24, and 20% for aortic annulus area, aortic peak velocity, and cardiac murmur score, respectively. For the area of the pulmonary annulus and peak pulmonary velocity, the estimated h2 were smaller, ranging from 9.5 to 12.8%. These measures are candidate indicator traits that might be effectively used in dog breeding to reduce the prevalence and severity of cardiac defects.