Atrial Wall Tear is a laceration or tearing of the walls of the atria of the heart. The heart of dog consists of four chambers. Two upper chambers are called atria (singular: artium) and two lower chambers are called venricles. In atrial wall tear, the wall of atrium is ruptured. Main cause of this condition are blunt trauma but it can happen due to other cause as well. Insignificant tear is healed by internal protective system of the body but if the tear is significant, heavy bleeding can lead to sudden death. A major tear can cause serious illness. This truma can occur in dogs of any breed, size and age.
Common sysmptoms of this disorder include
Sudden weakness
Fainting
Sudden death
Rapid heart rate
Ascites (abnormal collection of fluid in the abdomen)
Difficult breathing
