Congenital heart disease refers to structural abnormalities of the heart or major blood vessels that are present at birth. These conditions develop during fetal growth, before a puppy or kitten is born, and may be influenced by genetics, environmental factors, infections, toxin exposure, medications given during pregnancy, or inadequate maternal nutrition.

Although congenital heart disease affects only a small percentage of pets — approximately 1% of dogs and cats — its impact can be significant. Some defects remain mild and manageable, while others can progress rapidly and become life-threatening. Early identification is one of the most critical factors in determining long-term outcome.

Routine veterinary examinations during the early weeks and months of life play a vital role in detection. In many cases, congenital heart disease is first suspected when a veterinarian hears a heart murmur during a puppy or kitten’s initial wellness visit.

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) Surrey, our cardiology team works closely with our board-certified surgeons, other specialists on staff, and referring veterinarians to diagnose congenital heart conditions early and guide timely, appropriate treatment.

Why Detecting Heart Defects in Pets Early Makes a Difference

Young pets with congenital heart disease often appear outwardly normal at first. They may be energetic, eating well, and growing — sometimes only slightly smaller than their littermates. However, certain defects place increasing strain on the heart and can lead to heart failure within the first year of life if left untreated.

According to Dr. Milan Milovancev, one of our board-certified veterinary surgeons:

“Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects we see. Without treatment, about 90% of affected puppies or kittens will develop heart failure within their first year. When the defect is corrected, however, these patients can go on to live normal lifespans.”

Identifying congenital heart disease early allows veterinarians to:

• Intervene before permanent damage to the heart occurs
• Consider a broader range of treatment options tailored to the individual pet
• Improve long-term comfort, function, and quality of life

Types of Congenital Heart Disease Seen in Pets

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

PDA is the most frequently diagnosed congenital heart defect in dogs and cats. Before birth, a normal fetal vessel called the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the lungs. This vessel is expected to close shortly after birth.

In pets with PDA, the vessel remains open, causing abnormal blood flow and increased workload on the heart. Without treatment, PDA commonly results in congestive heart failure early in life.

Other Congenital Heart Conditions

Other congenital heart defects diagnosed in pets include:

• Pulmonic stenosis (PS) — narrowing that restricts blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs
• Aortic stenosis
• Persistent right aortic arch
• Ventricular septal defect

While certain breeds may have increased risk for specific conditions, congenital heart disease can occur in any dog or cat.

Signs That May Indicate a Congenital Heart Problem in Your Pet

Clinical signs can be subtle initially and may worsen as the condition progresses. Possible symptoms include:

• Reduced tolerance for exercise or play
• Rapid or laboured breathing
• Coughing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Decreased appetite
• Poor weight gain or slowed growth
• Sudden collapse
• In severe cases, sudden hind-limb paralysis caused by blood clots

Because early signs may be minimal or absent, regular veterinary examinations remain essential for young pets.

How Congenital Heart Disease Is Diagnosed in Pets

Congenital heart disease is often first suspected when a veterinarian identifies a heart murmur during a physical examination. Referral to a veterinary cardiology team allows further evaluation and confirmation of the underlying cause.

Diagnostic testing may include:

• Thoracic (chest) X-rays to assess heart size and lung health
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart rhythm
• Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) — the primary and definitive diagnostic tool for identifying congenital heart defects such as Patent Ductus Arteriosus, allowing real-time assessment of heart structure, function, and blood flow

In select cases where additional anatomical detail is required — particularly for complex congenital abnormalities or surgical and interventional planning — Cardiac CT (computed tomography) may also be recommended. Cardiac CT provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the heart and major blood vessels, offering detailed anatomical information that complements echocardiography.

At BBVSH Surrey, Cardiac CT has recently been added as an advanced diagnostic imaging option for carefully selected cardiology cases, expanding the tools available to support precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

(Insert echocardiogram or Cardiac CT image here)

Agnes’ Journey: A Cross-Border Story of Early Detection and Expertise

Agnes, a young Dachshund puppy, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect during a cardiac evaluation performed by a veterinary cardiologist. Her case was managed and surgically treated at our sister hospital, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Bellingham, where Dr. Milan Milovancev, board-certified veterinary surgeon, performed her corrective surgery.

Dr. Milovancev, who provides surgical expertise to patients seen through BBVSH Surrey and our sister hospital, BBVSH Bellingham, explains:

“By surgically closing the abnormal blood vessel, we eliminated the extra pathway blood was taking. This allows the heart to function normally and pump blood through the proper channels.”

Following surgery, Agnes no longer required heart medications. Her heart size returned to normal, her murmur resolved, and she is expected to live a full, healthy life.

Agnes’ outcome highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely referral, and access to advanced cardiology and surgical expertise — principles shared across the BBVSH network, including at BBVSH Surrey, where cardiology and surgical teams collaborate to manage complex congenital heart conditions.

Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Defects

Treatment recommendations depend on the specific defect and its severity. For Patent Ductus Arteriosus, the primary goal is complete closure of the abnormal vessel.

Options may include:

• Catheter-based closure, when appropriate based on the pet’s size and anatomy
• Surgical ligation, which may be recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for catheter-based procedures or when this approach is more appropriate for the family

At BBVSH Surrey, cardiology and board-certified surgery teams collaborate closely to provide advanced interventional and surgical care, including procedures such as balloon valvuloplasty for pets with pulmonic stenosis.

Advances in diagnostic imaging, including the recent addition of Cardiac CT scans at BBVSH Surrey, allow cardiology and surgical teams to plan interventions with greater anatomical detail in select congenital cases.

Teamwork That Saves Lives –

Supporting Your Pet’s Heart Health

Cases like Agnes’ demonstrate the importance of collaboration across veterinary medicine — from primary care veterinarians to cardiologists and specialty surgeons.

As Dr. Milovancev notes:

“When veterinarians work together and identify these conditions early, we can truly change outcomes for these patients.”

Through early recognition, coordinated referral, and timely treatment, pets with congenital heart disease can go on to enjoy normal, active lives.

For puppies and kittens, routine veterinary examinations are one of the most effective ways to protect long-term heart health. Early detection remains the key to successful treatment and improved outcomes.

To learn more about cardiology and surgical services, and our many other specialty services at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, visit bbvsh.com.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Congenital Heart Disease in Pets

What is congenital heart disease in pets?

Congenital heart disease is a condition in which a pet is born with an abnormality of the heart or major blood vessels. These defects develop before birth and can affect how blood flows through the heart.

How common is congenital heart disease in dogs and cats?

Congenital heart disease affects approximately 1% of dogs and cats. While relatively uncommon, some congenital heart defects can be severe or life-threatening if not identified and treated early.

What is the most common congenital heart defect in pets?

The most common congenital heart defect in dogs and cats is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). PDA occurs when a fetal blood vessel that should close at birth remains open, causing abnormal blood flow and overworking the heart.

Can puppies and kittens with congenital heart disease appear healthy?

Yes. Many puppies and kittens with congenital heart disease initially appear healthy, active, and playful. Serious defects can still be present and may progress silently without obvious early symptoms.

What are the signs of congenital heart disease in pets?

Signs may include exercise intolerance, rapid or laboured breathing, coughing, lethargy, poor appetite, poor growth, weakness, collapse, or, in severe cases, hind-limb paralysis due to blood clots.

How is congenital heart disease diagnosed in pets?

Diagnosis typically begins when a veterinarian detects a heart murmur. A veterinary cardiologist may then perform diagnostic testing such as echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound), chest X-rays, ECG, and in select cases, Cardiac CT.

What is an echocardiogram, and why is it important?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that allows veterinarians to assess heart structure, function, and blood flow in real time. It is the primary diagnostic tool for most congenital heart defects.

What is Cardiac CT, and when is it used?

Cardiac CT is an advanced imaging technique that creates detailed 3D images of the heart and major blood vessels. It is used in select cases when additional anatomical detail is needed for complex congenital abnormalities or surgical planning.

Can congenital heart disease in pets be treated?

Yes. Many congenital heart defects can be treated successfully. Treatment options may include catheter-based procedures, surgery, or medical management, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Why is early detection of congenital heart disease so important?

Early detection allows veterinarians to intervene before irreversible heart damage occurs, expand treatment options, and significantly improve long-term quality of life and survival.

Does BBVSH Surrey have cardiology services for congenital heart disease?

Yes. BBVSH Surrey has a dedicated cardiology team that works closely with specialty surgeons and referring veterinarians to diagnose and treat congenital heart disease in pets.