Open AccessPulmonic Stenosis in Dogs: Balloon Dilation Improves Clinical Outcome
Author(s) -
Johnson M. Stafford,
Martin M.,
Edwards D.,
French A.,
Henley W.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2004.tb02602.x
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , balloon dilation , pulmonic stenosis , stenosis , hazard ratio , cardiology , surgery , mortality rate , balloon , confidence interval
Medical records of 81 dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis from 2 referral centers were examined retrospectively. Forty dogs underwent balloon valvuloplasty (BV), which was performed by 1 operator, whereas 41 did not. The mean age at latest follow‐up was 41.5 months. A statistical comparison of the clinical outcome and survival was performed. Dogs revealing clinical signs at presentation showed a 16‐fold increase in risk of death compared with asymptomatic dogs ( P < .001). Statistical analyses demonstrated that an increase of 1 mm Hg in transstenotic pressure gradient (PG) at presentation was associated with a 3% increase in hazard rate ( P < .001). Thirty‐seven dogs survived BV with a median reduction in PG of 46%. The median preoperative PG was 120 mm Hg, and median PG 24 hours postoperatively was 55 mm Hg with a median of 55 mm Hg 6 months post‐BV. Twenty (49%) of the non‐BV (NBV) dogs remained asymptomatic at last follow‐up. Fourteen (34%) of the NBV dogs died or were euthanized because of heart disease related to pulmonic stenosis. Twelve of these dogs died suddenly, whereas only 1 of the BV dogs died suddenly. After adjusting for PG, clinical signs at presentation, and age, BV or dilation was associated with a 53% reduction in hazard rate ( P = .005). This study indicates that BV, when performed by an experienced operator, appears to be successful both in alleviating clinical signs and in prolonging survival in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis. Key words: Bulldog; Sudden death; Tricuspid valve regurgitation; Valvuloplasty.