Description: A hereditary condition affecting the heart and characterized by the failure of the walls between the heart’s chambers to completely close thereby leaving a “hole” between the right and left chambers. When this happens, blood undergoes backward flow through the heart resulting in inadequate amounts of oxygenated blood being circulated within the body. When left untreated, this condition can possible predispose heart failure. Symptoms are non-specific and may include slow growth rate and poor tolerance to exercise. One indication of Ventricular Septal Defect is the presence of heart murmur. There are cases when the septal hole will naturally close by itself however severe cases may require heart surgery to close the defect.

Breeds Commonly Affected: Bulldog