Pulmonic Valve Stenosis In Animals What is Pulmonic Stenosis, and how to treat it?

Pulmonic Stenosis (aka congenital heart defect) can lead to problems with your dog's ability to breathe deeply and efficiently. Your pup may also have an increased risk of developing congestive heart failure if this condition remains untreated or worsens over time. If the PS is minor, i.e., the pressure is less than 50mmHg, the symptoms may never be identified, whereas, with a severe PS with pressure greater than 80mmHg, the risks are high, including death.

Canine Pulmonic Stenosis causes include the:

? genetic inheritance from parents with the disease

? acquired visceral diseases such as viral infections, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis 

Symptoms Of Pulmonic Stenosis

When your pup experiences one or more of these symptoms, it's time to pay attention. If left untreated, a condition like PS can worsen and become life-threatening.

? Coughing: Chronic coughing is often the first sign of PS. If your pup is experiencing frequent coughing spells lasting more than 15 minutes and disrupting sleep or daily activities, you should immediately speak with their healthcare professional.

? Fainting: Young dogs with PS may faint when they are excited or overactive; whether this indicates PS depends on how frequently fainting occurs and what other symptoms accompany them. Contact a vet if a dog child routinely faints while playing or running around at home.

? Exercise intolerance: Dogs with severe pulmonary Stenosis may experience shortness of breath after mild activities; if so, ensure they get plenty of rest between activities so oxygen levels don't drop too low.

? Trouble breathing: In some cases, dogs with pulmonary Stenosis may struggle more than usual when exercising. This is especially true if they already have another condition like lung disease that makes breathing hard. 

Diagnosing Pulmonic Stenosis

If your vet suspects PS, they'll likely recommend an echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. The process involves placing a probe on your pet's chest, which emits high-frequency sound waves that reflect off of structures within the heart. A technician then interprets the resulting images to determine any abnormalities in the heart's structure or function. 

Dogs With Mild Pulmonic Stenosis Don’t Show Symptoms

Many dogs with mild PS never have symptoms, and the problem is discovered incidentally. Dogs that experience symptoms often show no clinical signs or may be affected minimally. In many cases, there are severe enough signs to affect your dog's quality of life. 

Treatments For Pulmonic Stenosis

The treatment of PS may include medication, surgical intervention, or ablation.

? Medication: Pet medications like Benazepril or Enalapril for dogs help dilate the blood vessels in the heart, opening them up and allowing more oxygen-rich blood to flow through your lungs.

? Heartworm prevention drugs: Dog heartworm med like Heartgard Plus or Sentinel Spectrum helps to prevent heartworm infestation, which might cause enlargement of your pet's heart;

And the best way to give pet medication to your dog is by using Pill Pockets for dogs as they help the dogs swallow the pills without difficulty. 

Conclusion

Pulmonic Stenosis is a congenital heart defect that results in narrowing of the pulmonary valve. This can result in difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or excitement. Pulmonic Stenosis occurs most often in small-breed dogs and may be present at birth or develop later in life. 

If your dog has been diagnosed with Pulmonic Stenosis, you must talk to your veterinarian about the best treatment plan. If left untreated, this disease can cause serious health problems for your pet.