[ SHOWGSD-L ] PDA is Patenet Ductus Arteriosus
- From: "DOC" <wynsum@xxxxxxx>
- To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:08:27 -0500
The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects the two main arterie=
s of the body =97 the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This blood vessel is=
normal in the fetus, but shortly after birth, it should close. When the d=
u
ctus arteriosus remains open or patent after birth, this abnormal communic=
ation between the aorta and pulmonary artery passes extra volumes of blood=
into the lungs.
Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a birth defect representing the second m=
ost common congenital heart defect of dogs. Approximately seven out of 100=
0 live birth puppies are affected.
Generally, there are no serious symptoms of PDA unless congestive heart fa=
ilure has caused fluid buildup in the lungs. The condition is typically id=
entified in puppies during a routine veterinary visit for vaccinations. C
ontinual blood flow through the PDA into the lungs produces a continuous (=
machinery) heart murmur.
Even when the veterinarian identifies a PDA, most people believe their dog=
is normal. In some cases, the dog can be smaller than littermates or play=
less vigorously. However, the situation can be very misleading as sympto
ms usually occur within a year of diagnosis. If untreated, about 60 percen=
t of affected dogs die within a year of diagnosis.
When caught early, and following treatment with successful closure of the =
PDA,
most dogs live a normal life. Unless there are complications from other he=
art
defects or heart failure has already developed, there is rarely any future=
need for
medication. While special circumstances can influence the prognosis, most =
cases
are straightforward.
PDA is genetically determined in almost every case, and this fact impacts =
the
value of purebred dogs used for breeding. PDA is common in the miniature p=
oodle,
collie, Maltese, Shetland sheepdog, German shepherd dog, cocker spaniel,
Pomeranian, and Labrador retriever. Female dogs are predisposed.
Treatment
- The conventional treatment is an operation done shortly after diagnosis.=
The PDA
is closed with surgical suture.
- Aspirin, indomethacin and other prostaglandin inhibitors do NOT work in =
dogs and
should not be given to close the ductus =97 these are dangerous drugs in y=
oung
pets.
- Surgery should not be delayed by waiting for symptoms to develop.
- Medical treatment may be necessary before surgery if symptoms (coughing,=
difficult breathing) are present.
- In some referral centers, the PDA may be closed using special catheteriz=
ation
techniques.
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