Patent ductus arteriosus is a potentially very serious condition that affects fewer than 10 out of every 1000 live births in dogs. This condition is related to the ductus arteriosus, which is a large blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery and the aorta. During the early stages of your puppy's development, this blood vessel should remain open, or "patent." However, it is intended to close up at a certain stage of development, when your dog's arteries are large enough and capable of supporting themselves. If the ductus arteriosus remains open, patent ductus arteriosus is the resulting condition that develops.
Signs of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus is generally quite difficult to diagnose through visual symptoms. The condition results in an abnormal amount of blood flowing into the lungs. This can cause a number of problems for puppies born with this birth defect. The most common symptoms that you're likely to see associated with this condition include the following:
- Panting or difficulty breathing
- Difficulty exercising or lower than average stamina
- Weakness
- Coughing
You may also find that a puppy with this condition is slightly smaller in size than his littermates, as patent ductus arteriosus can also lead to certain minor developmental delays. If you suspect that your puppy may have a condition of this type, or if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, take him to the vet for prompt diagnosis.
Diagnosing Patent Ductus Arteriosus
In order to diagnose patent ductus arteriosus, your vet will begin by thoroughly examining your dog. This examination will include a stethoscope examination of your pet's heart and lung activity. In order to fully confirm that this condition is the one that is affecting your pet, it's likely that your vet will also need to take an x-ray of your pet's chest as well. EKGs, or electrocardiograms, are also helpful in ruling out certain other similar conditions.
If your vet suspects patent ductus arteriosus, he will likely give you a referral to have your pet go through an echocardiogram procedure in which his heart rate and function is thoroughly tested. This is considered to be the best tool for diagnosing patent ductus arteriosus.
Treating Patent Ductus Arteriosus
The earlier on that you determine that your pet is suffering from patent ductus arteriosus, the easier it will be to treat his condition. While this condition is typically not fatal, it will nonetheless result in difficulty for your pet throughout most of his life, and pets that are left untreated oftentimes have shorter life expectancy than those who go through treatment.
The typical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus is a minor surgery that is designed to close up the blood vessel. In some cases, this can be done using a catheterization process. Ask your veterinarian for the best options for your pet based on his health history and your budget, as well as his stage of development and the symptoms that he displays.