Evaluation of survival rate and prognostic indicators for surgical treatment of left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus in dogs: 52 cases (1995–2003)

Abstract

Surgical treatment of PDA was curative in young dogs without clinical signs of heart failure. Surgical correction of PDA should be recommended as early as possible after diagnosis, and mitral valve regurgitation is not a contraindication for surgery.

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

“…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.…”

“…An increased rate of intra‐operative death during PDA ligation was observed in dogs >2 years of age and >23 kg 19. Long‐term survival was negatively affected by age, weight, lethargy, preoperative treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and right atrial enlargement on thoracic radiographs in a univariate analysis of 52 dogs 18. In other studies, survival was not affected by age >12 months at diagnosis, age >24 months at diagnosis, baseline FS ≤30%, weight, or the presence of residual flow at discharge 5, 18, 25.…”

“…Long‐term survival was negatively affected by age, weight, lethargy, preoperative treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and right atrial enlargement on thoracic radiographs in a univariate analysis of 52 dogs 18. In other studies, survival was not affected by age >12 months at diagnosis, age >24 months at diagnosis, baseline FS ≤30%, weight, or the presence of residual flow at discharge 5, 18, 25. Dogs with clinical signs of heart failure have had variable outcomes reported including no effect on survival to more likely to have an unsuccessful ligation procedure and die perioperatively 18, 25.…”

“…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…”

“…This is likely due in part to the perception that many dogs do well clinically after PDA closure, particularly in uncomplicated cases without residual flow or concurrent HD 1, 12, 13. One‐ and 2‐year survival rates after PDA ligation are 92 and 87%, respectively 18. Median survival in 24 dogs with uncomplicated PDA was >11.5 years after ductal occlusion 13.…”