Patent ductus arteriosus is a birth defect that affects 7 of every 1,000 puppies. Patent ductus arteriosus causes heart problems, such as a heart murmur or, in more extreme cases, congestive heart failure. Dogs who are diagnosed and treated early in life, however, can typically enjoy a symptom-free, normal existence. Read on to learn more about identifying this common birth defect of puppies.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Explained
In unborn puppies, the ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery, the artery that supplies oxygen-depleted blood to the lungs, with the aorta, the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Normally, the ductus arteriosus should close shortly after a puppy is born; if it stays open, or "patent," too much blood can travel into the lungs, causing heart murmurs and congestive heart failure. The result birth defect is known as patient ductus arteriosus, or PDA.
Patent ductus arteriosus is hereditary and may affect some breeds of dog more than others. These breeds include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Collie
- Minature Poodle
- Maltese
- German Shepherd
- Pomeranian
- Cocker Spaniel
Female puppies develop patent ductus arteriosus more often than do male puppies.
Symptoms of PDA in Puppies
Patent ductus arteriosus doesn't usually cause symptoms right away. Puppies with this birth defect may be smaller and have less energy than the other puppies in their litter. Symptoms usually appear within the first year of a puppy's life. Puppies afflicted with PDA have only a 40% chance of surviving their first year.
In addition to being smaller and less active than their littermates, puppies with patent ductus arteriosus may have trouble breathing and may develop a chronic cough. They may be lethargic, and breathing symptoms may worsen with exercise.
Diagnosing Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs
Your vet will need to perform a thorough physical exam in order to diagnose patent ductus arteriosus in your puppy. Your vet will certainly listen to your dog's heart. The heart murmur associated with PDA has an easily identifiable sound, and most experienced veterinarians will be able to recognize it. Chest X-rays, EKGs and cardiac ultrasounds can help your vet confirm the diagnosis.
Treating PDA in Puppies
Surgery is the standard treatment of choice for PDA in puppies. Your vet can use a suture to close the patent ductus arteriosus, or he may be able to close the opening by cauterization. Once your vet has confirmed the diagnosis, he will want to perform the surgery as soon as possible. Delaying surgery can allow your puppy's symptoms to worsen, and can even be deadly.
If your dog's breathing symptoms are severe, he may need treatment prior to surgery to stabilize his condition. Otherwise, your vet may want to perform the surgery immediately. If your dog must receive supportive care prior to surgery, take care that he does not exert himself or experience shortness of breath while he is undergoing stabilization prior to surgery.
Your dog may need a follow-up after surgery to remove the sutures, if he has received any. Afterward, your dog should experience a symptom-free life. Because this condition is hereditary, you shouldn't breed your dog.