25 Apr Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD) in Dogs
If you’ve ever noticed your dog tiring more quickly than usual or developing a swollen belly with no clear explanation, you might wonder if something more serious is going on beneath the surface. In some dogs, especially breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Boxers, these signs can point to a condition called Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD).
TVD is a congenital heart defect that affects the valve between the right atrium and ventricle, and while it may sound intimidating, understanding it is the first step in helping your pup live a healthier, more comfortable life. Whether your dog has just been diagnosed or you’re simply looking to learn more, this guide breaks down what TVD is, how it’s treated, and what it means for your dog’s future.
What is Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia?
Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is a congenital malformation of the tricuspid valve, which separates the right atrium and right ventricle. This defect prevents the valve from closing properly, leading to tricuspid regurgitation, a backward leakage of blood into the right atrium during ventricular contraction.
TVD varies in severity, from mild cases with no clinical signs to severe cases leading to right-sided heart failure.
How TVD Affects the Heart
Tricuspid valve malformation – The valve is thickened, elongated, or abnormally attached to the ventricular wall.
Regurgitation of blood – Instead of moving efficiently into the lungs, blood leaks backward into the right atrium.
Right atrial and ventricular enlargement – Chronic volume overload causes these chambers to stretch and enlarge.
Right-sided heart failure – If severe, TVD can lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), jugular vein distension, and exercise intolerance.
Breeds Predisposed to TVD
Labrador Retrievers (most common)
Golden Retrievers
Boxers
German Shepherds
Great Danes
Irish Setters
Old English Sheepdogs
Labrador Retrievers have a well-documented genetic predisposition for TVD, and affected dogs should not be bred.
Symptoms of TVD
The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of regurgitation and right heart dysfunction.
- Mild TVD – No symptoms; may be detected incidentally on a routine exam.
- Moderate TVD
- Exercise intolerance
- Mildly distended jugular veins
- Occasional fatigue after activity
- Severe TVD
- Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
- Labored breathing (due to pleural effusion)
- Fainting episodes (syncope) due to low cardiac output
- Severe right-sided heart failure
Dogs with severe TVD can develop life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden death due to abnormal heart muscle remodeling.
Diagnosing Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Auscultation (Listening to the Heart): Detects a systolic heart murmur over the right side of the chest. The louder the murmur, the more severe the regurgitation.
Chest X-rays: Shows right atrial and ventricular enlargement. May reveal fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen in severe cases.
Echocardiography (Gold Standard): Confirms tricuspid valve malformation. Measures the degree of regurgitation and right heart enlargement. Assesses for pulmonary hypertension, which can develop secondary to TVD.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects arrhythmias (common in severe cases).
Treatment of Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
- Medical Management (For Most Cases)
While TVD cannot be cured, medical therapy helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Common Medications:
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) – Reduce fluid buildup (ascites, pleural effusion).
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril) – Reduce heart workload.
- Pimobendan – Enhances heart contractility and improves circulation.
- Antiarrhythmics (e.g., sotalol, atenolol) – Control abnormal heart rhythms.
Dogs with severe TVD require lifelong medication and regular monitoring.
- Interventional & Surgical Options
- Tricuspid Valve Repair or Replacement: Rarely performed in veterinary medicine due to high surgical risk and cost. Prosthetic valve replacement is an emerging technique but remains experimental.
- Percutaneous Valve Interventions: Balloon valvuloplasty has been attempted in specific cases, but results are unpredictable.
Because TVD often involves severe structural malformations, surgical outcomes are variable and rarely curative.
Prognosis for Dogs with TVD
Mild TVD – Normal lifespan; no treatment required.
Moderate TVD – Variable prognosis, often requires lifelong medical management.
Severe TVD – High risk of right-sided heart failure and sudden death.
Dogs with severe TVD diagnosed as puppies may have a significantly shortened lifespan due to progressive heart enlargement and failure.
TVD and Other Congenital Heart Defects
Tricuspid valve dysplasia can occur alone or alongside other congenital heart defects, such as:
- Pulmonic Stenosis (PS) – If the pulmonic valve is also stenotic, the right ventricle faces extreme stress, worsening heart failure risk.
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – A hole between the atria increases right heart overload, further worsening symptoms.
- Ebstein’s Anomaly (Severe Form of TVD) – In this rare condition, the tricuspid valve is positioned too low in the right ventricle, leading to a large, dysfunctional right atrium. These cases often have severe heart failure and a poor prognosis.
Key Takeaways
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD) in dogs is a congenital defect in which the tricuspid valve is malformed. This leads to regurgitation and right-sided heart strain.
- Labrador Retrievers are the most commonly affected breed, and TVD is inherited.
- Mild cases may go undetected, while severe cases lead to right-sided heart failure.
- Diagnosis is confirmed via echocardiography, with ECG monitoring for arrhythmias.
- Medical therapy helps control symptoms, but severe cases have a guarded prognosis.
- Surgical options exist but are rarely performed due to complexity and risk.
- Dogs with severe TVD often develop progressive heart failure and require lifelong management.
Are You Worried About Your Dog’s Cardiac Health?
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia can sound like a daunting diagnosis, but with early detection, the right treatment plan, and regular veterinary care, many dogs can still enjoy happy, fulfilling lives. From mild cases that never cause issues to more severe forms that need ongoing medication, knowing what to look for and how to manage it makes all the difference. If your dog belongs to a breed with a higher risk or is showing unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us or your veterinarian. With the right support, even a heart with a little extra challenge can keep beating strong.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (04/25/2025) Photo by Fera Beh on Unsplash