VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT. Congenital abnormality in which a hole exists in the wall (septum) separating the left and right ventricles of the heart; the most commonly recognized congenital heart defect of horses.

Ventricular septal defect. An abnormal opening or hole in the septum between the two lower chambers or ventricles of the heart. Flow of blood is normally from left to right (left to right shunt), because of the higher pumping pressures produced by the left ventricle. If pulmonary hypertension develops, the shunt may be reversed, with blood flowing from right to left. This will result in oxygen-poor blood being delivered to the systemic side of the circulation, and the patient will appear cyanosed.

See Ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defect. This involves the abnormal opening in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles. This can result in blood leaking from the left ventricle to the right ventricle. This can cause the heart to work harder. Smaller holes can heal independently, but larger defects need to be corrected surgically.

Ventricular Septal Defect YZ

Ventricular Septal Defect. A hole in the middle of the heart between the two largest chambers (ventricles.) For more information see the Factsheet on VSD.