Congenital Heart disease: Tetrology of Fallot

Question 1

What is the tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 1

A genetically transmitted malformation of the heart

Question 2

What are the four malformations of the heart?

Answer 2

1. Right Ventricular outflow obstruction
2. Secondary Right ventricular hypertrophy
3. Subaortic ventricular septal defect
4. Overriding aorta (dextropositioned aorta)

Question 3

What species are commonly affected by the tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 3

Keeshonds and English Bulldogs

Cats

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of the tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 4

Stunted growth
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Cyanosis
Sudden death

Question 5

What does the heart murmur of a patient with tetralogy of Fallot sound like?

Answer 5

A precordial thrill may be felt in the area of the pulmonic valve
Murmur of pulmonic stenosis
Ventricular septal defect murmur

Question 6

What do the radiographs of a patient with tetralogy of Fallot look like?

Answer 6

Normal-sized heart

Decrease in the pulmonary circulation

Question 7

What does the echocardiogram of a patient with tetralogy of Fallot look like?

Answer 7

Right ventricular hypertrophy
Small left chambers
Large subaortic ventricular septal defect

Question 8

What is the prognosis of patients with tetralogy of Fallot

Answer 8

Some animals can tolerate it for years
CHF rarely develops
Sudden death may occur
Genetically transmitted so do not breed

Question 9

What is the treatment for patients with tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 9

Conservative. Limit stress and exercise
Regular phlebotomy
Surgical correction

Question 10

Why do patients with tetralogy of Fallot need regular phlebotomy

Answer 10

The PCV is increased to compensate for poor oxygenation

Question 11

What is important for a vet tech to remember when treating patients with tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 11

They may react adversely to sedatives, acquiring a slow heart rate that does not improve with O2 therapy