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Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Dogs and Treatment Options
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Dogs
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is the most common congenital heart defect seen in dogs accounting for 25-30% of congenital malformations.
A PDA occurs when the ductus arteriosus (which shunts blood away from the pulmonary circulation during foetal development) fails to close within a few days of birth. PDA therefore allows shunting of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery resulting in turbulent blood flow causing a continuous heart murmur and, if left untreated, progressive heart failure with most cases sadly dying before they reach one year of age.
PDA in dogs treatment options
PDA is one of the few congenital heart diseases that are curable. The PDA can either be treated using intravascular techniques or at open surgery and is ideally treated before the dog is 16 weeks old i.e. before the shunt “reverses” or secondary heart failure develops. Intravascular techniques (e.g.. coils, Amplatzer ductal occluders) have the advantage of not needing a surgical approach but are not completely without risk. These techniques can require longer anaesthetic times and usually incur greater expense than a conventional surgical approach. Surgical correction is performed via a left intercostal thoracotomy and by ligation of the PDA.
At Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, we perform open surgical correction of PDA’s and have a very good success rate. The majority of dogs recover very quickly from this procedure and are usually discharged the next day.
PDA ‘all in’ price option at Eastcott Referrals
We appreciate that many dogs with PDA are not insured due to the condition being congenital and usually diagnosed at first presentation of the dog to your practice. We are happy therefore to offer an “all-in” price for PDA ligation of £2520 for confirmed (already scanned) cases. This includes the initial consultation, surgery itself and postoperative hospitalisation together with any medication that the dog may need to be discharged with. For cases requiring scanning in addition, the ‘all in’ price will be £3000. The total bill will be capped at £2520 or £3000 respectively so that your clients can be reassured that costs will not spiral.
Prices correct as of 1st January 2021
Intra operative view of a 14 week old Springer Spaniel undergoing PDA ligation. Two silk sutures have been placed around the PDA running between the aorta (dorsal) and pulmonary artery (ventral).
13 week old Dachshund recovering well from her PDA surgery about to go home 24 hours post op!
by Tim Charlesworth
As always, we would be more than happy to discuss any possible case with you or your client so please feel free to contact us either by phone or email.
Tel: 01793 528341 or e-mail: Eastcott Veterinary Referrals