In 140 consecutive operations for patent ductus arteriosus at the Michigan State University Veterinary Clinic over a period of 10 years, three animals have had recanalized defects (2 %), and of these, one dog recanalized for the second time. Of the 140 surgeries, fifteen were suture divisions and the remaining 125 were ligations. All recanalized cases had been ligated in the original operation. We believe, due to the ease of surgery, ligation is the preferred method. However, if the ductus recanalizes, division and suture should be accomplished in the second operation.

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Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been used in veterinary medicine in experimental surgery and to address congenital and acquired diseases. We review the veterinary literature and expose common challenges of CPB in dogs and cats. Specifically, we describe the most specific elements of this technique in veterinary patients. The variety in animal size has made it difficult to standardize cannulation techniques, oxygenators, and priming volumes and solutions. The fact that one of the most common cardiovascular disorders, mitral valve disease, occurs predominantly in small dogs has limited the use of bypass in these patients because of the need for small, low prime oxygenators and pumps that have been unavailable until recently. Coagulation, hemostasis, and blood product availability have also represented important factors in the way CPB has developed over the years. The cost and the challenges in operating the bypass machine have represented substantial limitations in its broader use.

Objective: To report a case of myocardial perforation by a stick foreign body in a dog. Case Summary: A 3‐year‐old castrated male Labrador Retriever was examined because of a puncture wound seen after an unsupervised run in the woods. The wound was suspected to penetrate into the thoracic cavity on the basis of physical exam and radiographs. Uniform ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and junctional beats were noted on electrocardiogram (ECG). Thoracotomy was performed and a 6‐cm wooden stick was seen protruding from the right ventricle through the pericardium toward the sternum. The stick was removed while purse string sutures were tied around the resultant myocardial defect. Follow‐up echocardiography revealed intact intracardiac structures. VPCs were treated with lidocaine and resolved completely within 24 hours of presentation. New or Unique Information Provided: Thoracic trauma can result in myocardial injury; penetration into the myocardium represents a life‐threatening situation for the emergency clinician. Cardiac injury should be included in the differential diagnoses of penetrating thoracic foreign bodies.

CASE DESCRIPTION-A 12-week-old female English Springer Spaniel was evaluated for lethargy, vomiting, and pyrexia 1 week after treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) via coil occlusion. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Test results were consistent with septicemia, and the assumption was made that the PDA occlusion coils were infected. Radiography revealed partial migration of the coil mass into the pulmonary artery and signs of congestive heart failure. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-After successful treatment of the septicemia and heart failure, surgical removal of the coils and resection of the PDA were undertaken. Although the coil that embolized to the pulmonary vasculature was left in place, the dog's clinical signs resolved. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-This case highlights the fact that as PDA coil occlusion devices become more widely used in dogs, practitioners must be prepared to treat implant infections aggressively, with both medical and surgical interventions if necessary.