Primary ciliary dyskinesia with situs inversus totalis, hydrocephalus internus and cardiac malformations in a dog

A nine-month-old golden retriever bitch was presented with exercise Intoler ance and recurrent nasal discharge. Based on clinical, radiographic and ult rasonographic examination, a diagnosis of rhinitis, situs inversus totalls and tricuspid valve insufficiency was established. The results of video- an d electron microscopy studies of the respiratory epithelium were compatible with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). However, no evidence of a primary u ltrastructural defect of the cilia was found. The dog was euthanased becaus e of the poor prognosis. At necropsy, a hydrocephalus internus and a subaor tic stenosis were additionally diagnosed. PCD, In combination with situs In versus, has been previously reported In golden retrievers, but without a co ncomitant hydrocephalus Internus. Furthermore, concomitant occurrence of in ternal cardiac malformation and PCD has not previously been reported in the dog.