Review of left‐to‐right shunting patent ductus arteriosus and short term outcome in 98 dogs

Abstract

The case records of 98 dogs with a left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were reviewed. There were 35 breeds represented, with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Forty per cent of the dogs were older than one year at initial presentation and 31 per cent had clinical signs attributable to PDA. A left heart base continuous murmur of grade IV/VI or higher was noted in 90 per cent of the dogs. On electrocardiography, the most common abnormalities were tall R waves (63 per cent) and deep QII waves (62 per cent). The radiographic triad of dilation of the descending aorta with enlargement of the main pulmonary artery segment and left atrium, typical of PDA, was noted in only 26 per cent of cases. Two-dimensional (2D) and M-mode echocardiography detected left atrial enlargement (35 per cent) and an increased left ventricular diameter in diastole (82 per cent) and systole (84 per cent) as the most common abnormalities. Doppler echocardiography demonstrated increased aortic outflow velocities in 66 per cent of cases. The overall short-term successful outcome in this study was 95 per cent. There was no significant difference between surgical ductal ligation using a standard technique or the Jackson-Henderson technique in terms of survival, occurrence of haemorrhage or residual shunting. The number of interventional procedures used in this study was too low for statistical comparison, but there appeared to be a trend towards a higher rate of residual shunting and a lower fatality rate using a coil occlusion technique.

Long‐Term Outcome in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: 520 Cases (1994–2009)

“…In multivariable analysis, LVIDdN was significantly larger in older dogs at re‐evaluation in this study. The median weight of dogs in this study was 3.6 kg, which is lower than previously reported median weights that ranged from 5.0 to 17.6 kg6, 20, 21 and is likely related to the large number of small breed dogs in this study. Breeds in this study were similar to previous reports, although Bichon Frise was the most common breed, which was likely related to the authors' relationship with a rescue organization.…”

“…Concurrent congenital HD was identified in 8.8% of dogs and most often was subaortic stenosis or pulmonic stenosis similar to previous reports 6, 20, 28. Increases in left ventricular outflow tract velocities occur secondary to increased volume to the left side of the heart associated with the PDA, and velocities decrease after ductal closure 5, 7, 20.…”

“…The large number of females and young age of the dogs was consistent with high prevalence rates in females ranging from 71.1 to 78.5%6, 12, 18, 19, 20 and median age at diagnosis ranging from 4 to 7 months 6, 20, 21. Twenty‐one percent of dogs in this study were older than 24 months at the time of initial diagnosis, similar to 21 to 25.5% of dogs in previous reports 21, 22.…”

“…Breeds in this study were similar to previous reports, although Bichon Frise was the most common breed, which was likely related to the authors' relationship with a rescue organization. Chihuahuas represented the third most common breed and although they are a recognized breed at risk for PDA,23, 24 they have not been previously listed in the most common breeds affected 6, 18, 19, 20, 25…”

Surgical Interventions of Common Congenital Heart Defects in Dogs: A Comprehensive Review

“…The angiographic studies on 43 dogs revealed minimal PDA diameter was 3.72±1.59 mm, and the diameter of the PDA ampulla was 8.46±3.01 mm. The frequency of PDA visualization was 78%, and the measurement deviation was 1-2 mm [10] . Good visualization of PDA by two-dimensional echocardiography may be achieved in 96% of the dogs [9] .…”