Surgical Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in an Adult Pomeranian

Abstract

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs. The ductus arteriosus extends from the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, shunting blood away from the nonfunctional lungs in neonates. When it fails to constrict after birth, oxygenated blood can flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. Most of untreated patients develop congestive heart failure at one year of age. The treatment options include both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques. It is recommended that PDA be promptly closed after diagnosis as immature dogs are the best candidates for surgery. An adult Pomeranian with PDA was referred to Prasu-Arthorn Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University. An open surgical ligation was performed at the animal hospital with the cooperation of a diplomate of the Thai Board of Thoracic Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative echocardiograms showed no residual flow, and there was a gradual decrease in heart size three days to two months after surgery. The dog was more energetic and healthier.