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Published on: January 27, 2023
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the older Dog
Summary
Closing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in older dogs leads to a favorable outcome, even with existing left ventricular dysfunction. Intervention is more beneficial than no treatment for adult dogs with PDA.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Canine Health
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is typically treated in young dogs.
- Some adult dogs with PDA survive without intervention, while others deteriorate despite treatment.
- Current PDA therapies include surgical ligation and transcatheter coil embolization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical course of PDA in older dogs (>24 months) with and without intervention.
- To evaluate the benefits of late PDA closure in adult dogs.
- To hypothesize reasons for patient deterioration despite PDA closure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 24 canine patient records diagnosed with PDA after 24 months of age.
- Inclusion of 21 dogs without concurrent congenital heart diseases.
- Long-term follow-up study for surviving dogs.
Main Results:
- PDA closure resolved clinical signs in 15 out of 16 dogs.
- Echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular dysfunction was common post-closure.
- Congestive heart failure was common in untreated dogs; mitral valve endocardiosis was also frequent.
- Three late cardiac deaths occurred in the closure group.
Conclusions:
- Older dogs with PDA have individual clinical courses, irrespective of prior heart failure.
- Irreversible left ventricular dysfunction is common but doesn't appear to impact clinical outcomes.
- PDA closure in adult dogs yields favorable outcomes compared to no intervention.
