Heterotopic implantation of a porcine bioprosthetic heart valve in a dog with aortic valve endocarditis.
METHODS
A 5-year-old male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of a 5-month history of progressive lethargy, weight loss, and heart failure.


RESULTS
On physical examination, bounding femoral pulses and systolic and diastolic murmurs were detected. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) and a large vegetative lesion on the aortic valve consistent with aortic valve endocarditis. The AVI velocity profile half-time was 130 milliseconds; the calculated peak systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve was 64 mm Hg. Left ventricular diameter during diastole was 63.6 mm (predicted range, 40.2 to 42 mm) and during systole was 42.9 mm (predicted range, 25.4 to 27 mm). Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were 120, 43, and 65 mm Hg, respectively.


RESULTS
To palliate severe AVI, the descending aorta was occluded (duration, 16.75 minutes) and heterotopic implantation of a porcine bioprosthetic heart valve in that vessel was performed. After surgery, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were 115, 30, and 61 mm Hg, respectively, in the forelimb and 110, 62, and 77 mm Hg, respectively, in the hind limb. Within 6 months, the AVI velocity profile half-time had increased to 210 milliseconds, indicating diminished severity of AVI. After 24 months, the dog was able to engage in vigorous exercise; no pulmonary edema had developed since surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Heterotopic bioprosthetic heart valve implantation into the descending aorta during brief aortic occlusion appears feasible in dogs and may provide substantial palliation for dogs with severe AVI.
Arai
Shiori
S
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Wright
Bonnie D
BD
Miyake
Yukari
Y
Boon
June A
JA
Orton
E Christopher
EC
D000818:Animals; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000637:transplantation*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D013552:Swine; D016896:Treatment Outcome