Truncus arteriosus persistens in an Arabian foal

Abstract

Aten-day-old Arabian filly was examined because of signs of weakness, respiratory distress and cyanosis. On auscultation a grade V/VI holosystolic murmur was found on both sides of the thorax. The point of maximal intensity was at the right cranial part of the thorax. On the basis of clinical and echocardiographic examination, a differential diagnosis of truncus arteriosus, pseudotruncus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot or aorticopulmonary septal defect was made. Despite the poor prognosis, the owner refused euthanasia. The condition of the foal deteriorated progressively and the foal died at two months of age. Necropsy demonstrated a persistent truncus arteriosus. This paper also describes the characteristic echocardiographic differences which can be observed between a normal heart and a heart with a truncus arteriosus.