What is pulmonic stenosis (PS)?

PS is a birth defect causing a narrowing of the passage of blood from the right ventricle (pumping chamber) into the blood vessel that supplies the lungs (pulmonary artery). PS is most commonly diagnosed in terriers, Beagles, Bulldogs, and Boxers, but can affect any breed.

What are the symptoms of PS?

PS is most often detected in asymptomatic, young dogs when a heart murmur is detected upon listening to the chest with a stethoscope. An ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) performed by a cardiologist is required for diagnosis.

When the disease is mild to moderate, dogs may be asymptomatic for many years and live normal life-spans. Dogs with severe PS are at high risk for fainting, development of fluid build-up in the abdomen (congestive heart failure), and reduced life-span if left untreated.

What are the treatment options and prognosis?

If PS is mild, treatment is typically not required and dogs may live normal life-spans. If the disease is moderate or severe, balloon valvuloplasty (a catheter-based minimally invasive surgery) is typically recommended to avoid the symptoms described above. This surgery involves introducing a catheter into the heart through a blood vessel in the neck and inflating a small balloon to stretch or break open the narrowed valve. Medications may also be prescribed to reduce the heart rate and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Prognosis after treatment is usually excellent, though in rare cases after surgery the valve may develop scar tissue that results in recurrence of the narrowing within months or years. For this reason, periodic rechecks with a cardiologist are recommended.