Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a structural abnormality of the valve that sits between the right upper and lower chambers of the heart. The valve may be malformed in various ways—leaflets that are too thick, too thin, or attached unusually—which means it cannot close properly. When blood flows backward through the leaky valve, the right side of the heart works harder and may enlarge over time. Owners often arrive at this page because a heart murmur has been heard during a routine examination, or because a young dog is showing signs such as tiring easily, breathing more rapidly than expected, or developing a swollen abdomen. In some animals the condition causes no noticeable signs for months or years; in others, signs appear early in life. The pattern and timing vary widely between individuals. This page explores the signs that may be observed, what is happening inside the heart, how the condition is investigated through imaging and other tests, and the range of approaches used to support affected animals over time.