Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic Stenosis is a congenital narrowing in the region of the pulmonary valve which lies between the right ventricular chamber of the heart and the pulmonary artery. This artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and the narrowing impairs normal blood flow into the artery.

Usually, there are no external signs of the disease and it is frequently diagnosed during routine examination of the heart with a stethoscope. However, if blood flow is seriously impaired, signs may be seen including poor exercise tolerance and feinting. Sudden death may also be possible.

Pulmonic stenosis is one of the most frequently recognised congenital cardiac abnormalities in dogs, estimated to occur in 1/1000 puppies. There is, however, some confusion about which dog breeds are most susceptible to the disease.

Most dogs with Pulmonic Stenosis do not require treatment. Those showing clinical signs of heart failure are treated with diuretics. Severely affected dogs can be treated using a relatively new technique called balloon valvuloplasty in which a catheter with a small balloon on the end is guided to the position of the narrowing, and the balloon is then inflated to open the constriction.

Note: This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website is intended as a source of information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional care. Always consult with your Veterinarian about health related matters.