Rupture of chorda tendineae of the tricuspid valve in a horse: a case report

Abstract

A2-year-old cachectic cross-breed gelding was admitted to<br />Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Tehran following<br />the onset of a marked respiratory distress, coughing and ventral<br />edema. Clinical examinations indicated harsh respiratory and<br />expiratory sounds as well as jugular vein distention. The<br />respiratory and heart rates were 35/min and 60 bpm, respectively.<br />Agrade III/IV pansystolic murmur with the PMI on the tricuspid<br />valve, which could be heard on the left side, was detected. Sinus<br />tachycardia was revealed by electrocardiography. Rupture of the<br />chorda tendineae of the tricuspid valve, pulmonary artery<br />regurgitation, pulmonary artery hypertension, tricuspid valve<br />regurgitation, pulmonary artery, and right ventricular dilation<br />were also found in echocardiography. These findings were<br />confirmed at post mortem examinations. On the basis of the<br />findings, chorda tendineae rapture of the tricuspid valve and<br />right side heart failure due to primary pulmonary hypertension<br />were diagnosed.