Tetralogy of Fallot in a dog – case report

Abstract

Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare congenital disease consisting of pulmonary valve stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect and aortic dextroposition. Pathophysiological consequences and clinical presentation depend mainly on the degree of pulmonary artery obstruction. Symptoms include cyanosis, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, and syncope. Definitive diagnosis and prognosis are obtained by Doppler echocardiography. Surgery is the only effective method of treatment, however, pharmacotherapy may be indicated as palliative treatment in mild cases of the disease. This work reports on the case of an eleven-month-old mongrel dog, diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot and highlights the importance of Doppler echocardiography as the definitive diagnostic tool for this disease.