Overview

Congenital heart disease arises from abnormalities during fetal heart development and occurs in both dogs and cats. Conditions diagnosed relatively frequently in Korea include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA),, pulmonary stenosis,, ventricular septal defect (VSD),, and tetralogy of Fallot .

A heart murmur is often the first clue, but auscultation alone cannot reliably establish the type or severity. Imaging is therefore needed for a definitive assessment.

Early detection offers more options, including medication, interventional procedures and surgery. Timely treatment can allow a near-normal life in some conditions. Once pulmonary hypertension develops, options may narrow rapidly. Have any concern assessed promptly.

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Our diagnostic approach

After reviewing history, examination, auscultation and previous records, we select relevant blood tests, chest X-rays, Echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, ECG to answer the current clinical question. Echocardiography is central to assessing congenital structure and blood-flow direction. Other tests depend on symptoms, planned procedures and concurrent conditions.

Initial assessment

Auscultation / Physical examination

Assess murmur location, intensity and timing alongside breathing and pulse.

When indicated

Comprehensive blood tests / Cardiac biomarkers

CBC, serum chemistry, electrolytes, thyroid hormone (T4) and cardiac biomarkers help assess overall health and cardiac strain.

When indicated

Digital X-rays

Check for cardiac silhouette enlargement and changes in pulmonary vessels.

Core examination

Doppler echocardiography

2D imaging and color Doppler assess the location and size of defects and the direction of blood flow.

When indicated

abdominal ultrasound

Young pets with heart defects may also have abnormalities in other organs. We assess overall health before interventions or anesthesia.

When indicated

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Assess electrical activity and rhythm when arrhythmias, unsteadiness or fainting are suspected. A Holter may be considered if a short recording misses the abnormality.

Treatment and management

Treatment varies by condition and stage. We explain available options based on findings and current health.

Monitoring / Medical management

For mild disease or when an intervention is unsuitable, we provide regular imaging follow-up and stage-appropriate heart failure medication, such as diuretics, inotropes and vasodilators.

Referral for intervention / Surgery

Examples include PDA closure with a coil or occluder and balloon valvuloplasty for pulmonary stenosis. We coordinate with centers offering these procedures and provide pre-procedure imaging and long-term follow-up.

Long-term monitoring

Follow-up methods and intervals depend on disease type, severity, previous treatment, residual lesions and symptoms. Echocardiography is central; chest X-rays, blood pressure and ECG are added when clinically needed.

Please note. Prognosis varies substantially with the type and progression of congenital heart disease. This page provides general information. We develop an individual treatment plan with you after examination.

FAQs

Does every heart murmur need detailed testing?
Not every murmur indicates disease; young pets may have an innocent murmur. Auscultation alone may not distinguish them, so echocardiography can assess structure and blood flow and guide further tests or follow-up.
Is testing necessary without symptoms?
Pets with congenital heart disease often appear well. Complications such as pulmonary hypertension may already be present by the time symptoms develop, making early assessment valuable.
Are procedures requiring anesthesia risky?
Heart disease calls for careful anesthetic planning. We evaluate cardiovascular risks and share them with the referral clinic. Its anesthesia veterinarian determines whether to proceed and how to monitor ECG, blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the procedure.
What are the treatment costs?
The estimate depends on the condition and tests needed. You can refer to our legally required published Fee schedule. We explain the final estimate and other expected costs before testing and perform only the items you agree to.

Read more about each condition

Detailed clinical information on the main congenital heart conditions in this category.