Canine Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
& Breeds at Risk
Research, Resources & Education
This website is based on research and is NOT created to diagnose your pet.
Each animal is an individual and may exhibit symptoms in a different way.
It is advised that you ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Table of Contents
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD)
TVD consists of abnormal tissue located just below the aortic valve that creates an obstruction the heart has to overcome to pump blood out to the body.
Symptoms of this condition may include: Weakness, Lethargy, Difficulty breathing, Fainting, Resistance to exercise, Collapse
Treatment: The most common form of treatment is a medication given orally called βeta blockers, but for more severe SAS, surgery may need to be performed.
What Dogs are at Risk?
Some Dogs that are at Risk due to Genetic Predisposition
What is Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia?
What is Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia? (CVCA)
What is tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD)? – CVCA
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia is an uncommon congenital heart defect accounting for approximately 7% of all heart defects in dogs and is rare in cats.
- It is more commonly seen in Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, Great Danes, and German Shepherds, although any breed can be affected.
- It is a malformation of the tricuspid valve and its associated supporting structures that assist in proper valve closure.
- The tricuspid valve, or right atrioventricular valve, separates the right atrium from the right ventricle.
- TVD results in a lack of complete valve closure leading to a backflow of blood (regurgitation) up into the right atrium.
- If the regurgitation is severe enough, the right side (right ventricle and right atrium) of heart becomes enlarged.
- As the right side of the heart progressively increases in size, right sided congestive heart failure can occur.
- Fluid can accumulate within the abdominal and/or chest cavity as a consequence of right sided heart failure.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (Merck Manual (Pet Owners)
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD) – Merck Manual (Pet Owners)
- Tricuspid dysplasia refers to abnormal development or malformation of the tricuspid valve of the heart, allowing regurgitation of blood back into the right atrium.
- This defect is seen occasionally in dogs at birth.
- Long-term tricuspid regurgitation leads to volume overload of the right heart, enlarging the right ventricle and atrium.
- Blood flow to the lungs may be decreased, leading to fatigue and an increased rate of respiration.
- As the pressure in the right atrium increases, blood pools in the veins returning to the heart, causing an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
- The more severe the defect, the more obvious the signs will be in affected dogs.
- Signs of right-sided congestive heart failure, such as accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and limbs, may be seen.
- A loud heart murmur is very noticeable. Arrhythmias, especially the sudden onset of a very high heart rate, are common and may cause death.
- Signs of right-sided congestive heart failure, such as accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and limbs, may be seen.
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Videos
YouTube Videos that help explain Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD) in Dogs
Disclaimer:
This is for research only and Lost Temple Pets does not endorse any video presented on this website.
It is advised that you ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes
Causes (Wag!)
Causes Wag!
Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is an inherited congenital cardiac condition that causes abnormalities to the tricuspid valve.
- This means that tricuspid valve dysplasia occurred during fetal development.
- The dog is born with the heart condition.
- Dogs diagnosed with tricuspid valve dysplasia should not be bred.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs (Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version)
Signs – Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version)
The more severe the defect, the more obvious the signs will be in affected dogs.
- Signs of right-sided congestive heart failure, such as accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and limbs, may be seen.
- A loud heart murmur is very noticeable.
- Arrhythmias, especially the sudden onset of a very high heart rate, are common and may cause death.
- Electrocardiography and x-rays may show enlargement of the right ventricle and atrium, while the malformed tricuspid valve and regurgitation can be seen using echocardiography (ultrasonography).
Symptoms (Wag!)
Symptoms – Wag!
Symptoms will depend on the severity of tricuspid valve dysplasia. Mild cases of tricuspid valve dysplasia may not show any visual signs.
- Distended stomach due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
- Exercise intolerance
- Dyspnea due to lack of oxygen in the bloodstream
- Heart murmur
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weakness
Diagnosis and Testing
How is TVD diagnosed? (CVCA)
How is TVD diagnosed? (CVCA)
- A preliminary diagnosis may be made by your family veterinarian based on breed, physical exam, and x-ray findings.
- Often a heart murmur noted during a puppy’s first routine veterinary visit is the first indication of a problem, however, some animals may go unrecognized until they develop an arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) or clinical signs of heart failure.
- An echocardiogram (ultrasound or sonogram of the heart) performed by a veterinary cardiologist provides a definitive diagnosis and information about the severity of the defect, the degree of heart chamber enlargement, and presence of other defects.
Diagnosing the Condition (Pets4Homes)
Diagnosis – Dog Health Guide
- A vet would need to have a dog’s full medical history and would need to thoroughly examine them if they are suspected of suffering from TVD.
- An initial examination would identify a heart murmur although often there are other symptoms present which includes fluid being present in a dog’s abdomen which is known as ascites.
- Studies have shown that dogs develop the condition when they are around 2 years old although older dogs can suffer from TVD too.
- Dogs diagnosed with a severe case of TVD would suffer right heart failure which as result means there is also a build of fluid in their abdomens.
- The sort of tests a vet would want to carry out on a dog suspected of suffering from the condition include the following:
- Thoracic X-rays – this would establish if the size of a dog’s heart and if there is any enlargement due to the right ventricle having to accommodate a larger volume of blood
- Electrocardiography – this test helps establish how severe the disorder happens to be
- Echocardiography – this would help establish how enlarged a dog’s right atrium is, should it be small, it can be harder to identify
Treatment
How is TVD in Dogs Treated? (CVCA)
How is TVD in dogs treated? CVCA
Therapy is usually not instituted until signs of right sided heart enlargement are present.
- Medical therapy is aimed at improving quality of life, delaying the onset of congestive heart failure, and controlling fluid accumulation once heart failure has developed.
- Occasionally, a simple in-office procedure is required to remove excess abdominal fluid. This provides immediate relief to any uncomfortable abdominal distention.
Treatment (Wag!)
Treatment – Wag!
- If the patient has a large quantity of fluid in his abdomen the veterinarian may remove the fluid performing an abdominocentesis.
- Patients with tricuspid valve dysplasia will need to be on low salt diets.
- Overweight dogs will have their diets charged, to encourage weight loss.
- Extreme exertion should be avoided; limited moderate exercise will be permitted.
- Supplements and vitamins may be suggested such as Vitamin E, coenzyme CoQ10, and Omega 3.
- The veterinarian may prescribe digoxin, furosemide and an angiotensin enzyme inhibitor.
- Diuretics may help with fluid retention. Vasodilators drugs can help the heart have better blood flow.
- The treatment plan may improve the patient’s quality of life. Patients that are not responding to the treatment plan may be referred to a cardiac veterinarian specialist.
- Surgery may be recommended to replace the valve, if the dog is strong enough to undergo the procedure.
- Replacement of the tricuspid valve is a high risk surgery.
References
References
CVCA Vets – Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in Dogs
https://www.cvcavets.com/tricuspid-valve-dysplasia/
Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version) – Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Cardiovascular System in Dogs
By Sandra P. Tou, DVM, DACVIM-Cardiology, DACVIM-SAIM, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University
Reviewed/Revised Jun 2018
Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional Version) – Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in Animals
By Sandra P. Tou, DVM, DACVIM-Cardiology, DACVIM-SAIM
Reviewed/Revised Jan 2020
Pets4Homes – Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) in Dogs
21 March 2022
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/tricuspid-valve-dysplasia-tvd-in-dogs.html
Wag! – Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in Dogs
Retrieved 11/16/24
https://wagwalking.com/condition/tricuspid-valve-dysplasia
VIDEOS
Medical Centric – Tricuspid Valve Disease, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6BQ5hxw6dY
Kenhub – Learn Human Anatomy – Tricuspid Valve – Cusps, Function, & Location
Cardiac/Breed Chart
| BREED | Atrial septal defect (ASD) | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Mitral valvular dysplasia (MVD) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | Tricuspid valvular dysplasia (TVD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Afghan Hound | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Mitral valvular dysplasia (MVD) | |||||||
| Airedale Terrier | |||||||||
| Akita (American) | |||||||||
| Alaskan Malamute | |||||||||
| American Eskimo, Toy and Standard | |||||||||
| American Foxhound | |||||||||
| American Pitt Bull Terrier | |||||||||
| American Staffordshire Terrier | |||||||||
| American Water Spaniel | |||||||||
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | |||||||||
| Australian Cattle Dog | |||||||||
| Australian Shepherd | |||||||||
| Australian Terrier | |||||||||
| Basenji | |||||||||
| Basset Hound | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||||
| Beagle | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||||
| Bearded Collie | |||||||||
| Beauceron | |||||||||
| Bedlington Terrier | |||||||||
| Belgian Groenendael | |||||||||
| Belgian Malinois | |||||||||
| Belgian Tervuren | |||||||||
| Bernese Mountain Dog | |||||||||
| Bichon Frise’ | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Black and Tan Coonhound | |||||||||
| Black Russian Terrier | |||||||||
| Bloodhound | |||||||||
| Boerboel | |||||||||
| Border Collie | |||||||||
| Border Terrier | |||||||||
| Borzoi | |||||||||
| Boston Terrier | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||||
| Bouvier des Flandres | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | ||||||||
| Boxer | Atrial septal defect (ASD) | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | |||||
| Briard | |||||||||
| Brittany | |||||||||
| Brussels Griffon | |||||||||
| Bull Terrier | Mitral valvular dysplasia (MVD) | ||||||||
| Bull Terrier, Miniature | |||||||||
| Bulldog, English | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | |||||||
| Bullmastiff | |||||||||
| Cairn Terrier | |||||||||
| Canaan Dog | |||||||||
| Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff) | |||||||||
| Caucasian Shepherd | |||||||||
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | |||||||||
| Chihuahua | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||
| Chinese Crested | |||||||||
| Chinese Shar-Pei | |||||||||
| Chow Chow | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||||
| Clumber Spaniel | |||||||||
| Cocker Spaniel (American) | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | |||||
| Collie, Rough / Smooth Coat | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Curly Coated Retriever | |||||||||
| Dachshund | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | ||||||||
| Dalmation | |||||||||
| Dandie Dinmont Terrier | |||||||||
| Doberman Pinscher | Atrial septal defect (ASD) | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | |||||||
| Dogo Argentino | |||||||||
| Dogue de Bordeaux (Mastiff) | |||||||||
| English Cocker Spaniel | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | |||||||
| English Foxhound | |||||||||
| English Setter | |||||||||
| English Springer Spaniel | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| English Toy Spaniel AKA King Charles Spaniel | |||||||||
| Field Spaniel | |||||||||
| Finnish Spitz | |||||||||
| Flat-Coated Retriever | |||||||||
| Fox Terrier, Smooth | |||||||||
| Fox Terrier, Toy | |||||||||
| Fox Terrier, Wire | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||||
| French Bulldog | |||||||||
| German Pinscher | |||||||||
| German Shepherd | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Mitral valvular dysplasia (MVD) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | Tricuspid valvular dysplasia (TVD) | ||||
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | ||||||||
| German Wirehaired Pointer | |||||||||
| Glen of Imaal Terrier | |||||||||
| Golden Retriever | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | |||||||
| Gordon Setter | |||||||||
| Great Dane | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Mitral valvular dysplasia (MVD) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | Tricuspid valvular dysplasia (TVD) | |||||
| Great Pyrenees | |||||||||
| Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | |||||||||
| Greyhound | |||||||||
| Harrier | |||||||||
| Havanese | |||||||||
| Ibizan Hound | |||||||||
| Irish Setter | Tricuspid valvular dysplasia (TVD) | ||||||||
| Irish Terrier | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Irish Water Spaniel | |||||||||
| Irish Wolfhound | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | ||||||||
| Italian Greyhound | |||||||||
| Japanese Chin | |||||||||
| Keeshond | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | |||||||
| Kerry Blue Terrier | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Komondor | |||||||||
| Kuvasz | |||||||||
| Labrador Retriever | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | Tricuspid valvular dysplasia (TVD) | |||||
| Lakeland Terrier | |||||||||
| Lhasa Apso | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | ||||||||
| Lowchen | |||||||||
| Maltese | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Manchester Terrier Toy | |||||||||
| Manchester Terrier, Standard | |||||||||
| Mastiff, English | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | |||||||
| Miniature Pincher | |||||||||
| Neapolitan Mastiff | |||||||||
| Newfoundland | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | |||||
| Norfolk Terrier | |||||||||
| Norwegian Buhund | |||||||||
| Norwegian Elkhound | |||||||||
| Norwich Terrier | |||||||||
| Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | |||||||||
| Old English Sheepdog | Atrial septal defect (ASD) | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Tricuspid valvular dysplasia (TVD) | ||||||
| Otterhound | |||||||||
| Papillon | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | ||||||||
| Parsons Russell Terrier | |||||||||
| Pekingese | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | ||||||||
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) | |||||||||
| Pharaoh Hound | |||||||||
| Plott Hound | |||||||||
| Pointer | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | ||||||||
| Polish Lowland Sheepdog | |||||||||
| Pomeranian | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Poodle, Miniature | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Poodle, Standard | Atrial septal defect (ASD) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Poodle, Toy | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Portuguese Water Dog | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | ||||||||
| Presa Canario | |||||||||
| Pug | |||||||||
| Puli | |||||||||
| Pyrenean Shepherd | |||||||||
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | |||||||||
| Rottweiler | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | ||||||||
| Saluki | |||||||||
| Samoyed | Atrial septal defect (ASD) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | Subaortic stenosis (SAS) | ||||||
| Schipperke | |||||||||
| Schnauzer, Miniature | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | |||||||
| Schnauzer, Giant | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | ||||||||
| Schnauzer, Standard | |||||||||
| Scottish Deerhound | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | ||||||||
| Scottish Terrier | |||||||||
| Sealyham Terrier | |||||||||
| Shetland Sheepdog | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Shiba Inu | |||||||||
| Shih Tzu | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | ||||||||
| Siberian Husky | |||||||||
| Silky Terrier | |||||||||
| Skye Terrier | |||||||||
| Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier | |||||||||
| Spinone Italiano | |||||||||
| St. Bernard | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | ||||||||
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | |||||||||
| Sussex Spaniel | |||||||||
| Swedish Vallhund | |||||||||
| Tibetan Mastiff | |||||||||
| Tibetan Spaniel | |||||||||
| Tibetan Terrier | |||||||||
| Tosa | |||||||||
| Vizsla | |||||||||
| Weimaraner | |||||||||
| Welsh Corgi, Cardigan | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Welsh Corgi, Pembroke | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | ||||||||
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | |||||||||
| Welsh Terrier | |||||||||
| West Highland White Terrier | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Pulmonic stenosis (PS) | |||||||
| Whippet | |||||||||
| Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | |||||||||
| Yorkshire Terrier | Chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVDz) | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | |||||||
| Spanish Mastiff | |||||||||
| Treeing Walker Coonhound | |||||||||
| Barbet | |||||||||
| Cirneco dell'Etna | |||||||||
| Broholmer | |||||||||
| Leonberger | |||||||||
| Rat Terrier | |||||||||
| Xoloitzcuintli | |||||||||
| Dutch Shepherd |