Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is the failure of a blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, to close just after birth. In the fetus, this vessel is normal and allows blood to bypass the lungs since the lungs are not used during development in the uterus. At birth this vessel should close within hours, directing blood to flow to the lungs. Pets diagnosed with a PDA have a greater than 50% mortality rate by one year of age if left untreated.
PDA is the most frequently diagnosed congenital defect in dogs and is sometimes seen in cats. The most commonly affected breeds are Maltese, Poodle, Pomeranian, Keeshond, Bichon Frise, Chihuahua and German Shepherd. PDA is more commonly diagnosed in females.
PDA is the most frequently diagnosed congenital defect in dogs and is sometimes seen in cats. The most commonly affected breeds are Maltese, Poodle, Pomeranian, Keeshond, Bichon Frise, Chihuahua and German Shepherd. PDA is more commonly diagnosed in females.
Symptoms
The PDA will cause a loud, continuous heart murmur, that can be felt through the chest wall. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, failure to thrive, labored breathing and congestive heart failure (CHF).
Diagnosis
A cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram or echo) will allow the cardiologist to assess the structure and function of the heart. The PDA can be visualized and measured with color flow Doppler. Chest x-rays may be needed if the pet is in CHF.
Treatment
Based on the size of the patient one of two available procedures are available:
Catheterization- In most pets this non-invasive procedure is recommended. A small incision is made on the inside of the hind leg. A long catheter is then passed from the hind leg into the abnormal vessel using fluoroscopy. A device called an Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO) is then deployed to stop the abnormal blood flow through the PDA. This causes a blood clot to form in the abnormal blood vessel that closes the PDA.
Surgical Ligation- Very small dogs and cats require open chest surgery to tie off the vessel. This procedure requires surgery in the chest cavity but does not require open heart surgery. Your cardiologist will be able to recommend a surgeon who is experienced with this complicated procedure.
Some pets may require medical treatment of CHF prior to surgery. The cardiologist will be able decide what treatment, if any, is required. Pets with very large PDAs may require emergency surgery to help control their congestive heart failure symptoms.
Catheterization- In most pets this non-invasive procedure is recommended. A small incision is made on the inside of the hind leg. A long catheter is then passed from the hind leg into the abnormal vessel using fluoroscopy. A device called an Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO) is then deployed to stop the abnormal blood flow through the PDA. This causes a blood clot to form in the abnormal blood vessel that closes the PDA.
Surgical Ligation- Very small dogs and cats require open chest surgery to tie off the vessel. This procedure requires surgery in the chest cavity but does not require open heart surgery. Your cardiologist will be able to recommend a surgeon who is experienced with this complicated procedure.
Some pets may require medical treatment of CHF prior to surgery. The cardiologist will be able decide what treatment, if any, is required. Pets with very large PDAs may require emergency surgery to help control their congestive heart failure symptoms.
Prognosis
Most dogs and cats that undergo correction of their PDA have good to excellent long term prognosis, and most will lead a completely normal life after surgery. Pets that are in congestive heart failure prior to surgery may have to remain cardiac medications long term. it is important to try to correct your pet’s PDA prior to them going into congestive heart failure.
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