Balloon valvuloplasty in 2 juvenile alpacas with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis

Abstract Two juvenile alpacas, 1 male and 1 female, were presented for evaluation of grade V/VI bilateral basilar systolic heart murmurs. Both animals were ultimately diagnosed with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis and a small ventricular septal defect. Transvenous balloon valvuloplasty was perform...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Logan L. Funk, Kiira T. Rodriguez, Stacey B. Leach
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2021-07-01
Series:Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16198
Description
Summary:Abstract Two juvenile alpacas, 1 male and 1 female, were presented for evaluation of grade V/VI bilateral basilar systolic heart murmurs. Both animals were ultimately diagnosed with severe valvular pulmonic stenosis and a small ventricular septal defect. Transvenous balloon valvuloplasty was performed in each animal using methods described in the dog. A double balloon technique was employed in the first case, with a balloon‐annulus ratio of ~1.55. For the second case, a high‐pressure dilatation balloon catheter with a balloon‐annulus ratio of ~1.33 was selected. Experience with both procedures indicates that balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is technically feasible in alpacas using techniques extrapolated from those used in dogs. Furthermore, accepted criteria for procedural success were fulfilled for both alpacas, with more than a 50% reduction in the echocardiographically derived transpulmonic pressure gradient after intervention.
ISSN:0891-6640
1939-1676