Intervention of atrial septal defect embolization using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography-guided thoracotomy in a Yorkshire terrier

Abstract

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a relatively rare congenital heart disease in dogs. A radical treatment is defect closure under open heart or occlusion by intervention. Small dogs face challenges with either treatment. This case was an 8-month-old female Yorkshire Terrier, weighing 2.4 kg. She suffered from dyspnea due to deterioration of circulatory dynamics caused by ASD. An Amplatzer was positioned under thoracotomy, guided by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. Postoperative recovery was quick and uneventful. Clinical symptoms disappeared and circulatory dynamics were stable after growth. This method is considered to be a useful treatment option for small dogs with ASD.