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Treatment

Most patients can be treated on an outpatient basis. Large shunts may be surgically repaired during a cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients with moderate or large shunts may also undergo pulmonary artery banding as a palliative (relieves some discomfort but does not cure the disease) procedure.

Living and Management

If your dog  is showing signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), its activity should be restricted. Your veterinarian will advise you on an appropriate physical routine. Your doctor may also advise you to impose a strict low sodium diet if your dog is diagnosed with CHF, to minimize pressure on the heart. Animals that are diagnosed with overt CHF are generally given 6 to 18 months to live with medical treatment. Pets with small shunts may continue to have a normal life span if there are no concurrent disease that are posing a direct threat to their health.

Do not breed your dog if it has been diagnosed with ventricular septal defect, as this defect is thought to be genetically transmitted. Your veterinarian will schedule regular follow-up appointments for your dog to follow its progress, retake X-ray and ultrasound images, and adjust any medications or therapies as needed.