Mitten R W, Edwards G A, Rishniw M
Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, Veterinary Clinical Centre, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030.
Aust Vet J. 2001 Mar;79(3):177-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2001.tb14572.x.
Cor Triatriatum Dexter is a rare, congenital cardiac defect in which the right atrium is partitioned into two compartments, effectively creating a triatrial heart. The clinical signs exhibited by the patient usually relate to impeded venous return via the caudal vena cava. The two dogs in this report both displayed ascites from a young age and grew poorly. In both cases the diagnosis was made during echocardiographic examination and was confirmed by angiography. Both dogs were successfully treated by resection of the partitioning membrane within the right atrium, using hypothermia and inflow occlusion to achieve a clear surgical field. Both dogs recovered well, their clinical signs resolved and they have grown to normal adult size.
