Management of re-stenosis following balloon catheter dilation of cor triatriatum dexter in a dog

A 10-month-old male American Pitbull Terrier puppy was treated for the correction of cor triatriatum dexter by balloon catheter dilation under echocardiographic guidance. Two weeks after the interventional procedure, the dog presented ascites because re-stenosis of cor triatriatum dexter occurred. A second interventional procedure, by combining membranostomy and balloon catheter dilation of the intra-atrial septum, allowed the resolution of congestive heart failure. Based on the clinical outcome, the alternative approach described in this report appears to be a viable treatment option for dogs affected with cor triatriatum dexter, especially when re-stenosis occurs.