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A 9-year-old, 5.5-kg, spayed Bichon Frize was referred for further diagnostics due to neurological deficits in the pelvic limbs. An echocardiogram revealed right atrium and ventricular enlargement and an abnormal vascular structure connected to the right atrium (Fig 1A). To further evaluate the cardiovascular abnormalities, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed under general anaesthesia. The right pulmonary vein from right cranial, middle and caudal lung lobes was connected to the right atrium (Fig 1B, C), while pulmonary vein from the left lung and accessory lobes were connected to the left atrium (Fig 1C). The right ventricle and atrium were also dilated. Accordingly, partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection was diagnosed. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare congenital heart disease in dogs characterised by incomplete pulmonary venous drainage into the right atrium or systemic vein. It does not always cause symptoms. However, a high volume of abnormal blood flow sometimes causes right heart failure. Echocardiography can detect abnormal blood flow in the right atrium, but CT angiography in this context was essential to detect the abnormal pulmonary venous connections. Notably, the patient in the present case had no clinical signs despite dilated right ventricle and atrium. The dog is currently undergoing observation every 6 months.
Research papers (academic journals)
