Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)(PDA)
Also known as: Persistierender Ductus Arteriosus Botalli · Persistierender Ductus arteriosus · Ductus Botalli · Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Overview
What it is
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect where a normal fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and the pulmonary artery fails to close shortly after birth. This failure allows blood to continuously recirculate through the lungs instead of flowing to the rest of the body, putting severe, permanent strain on the heart muscle. Over time, this volume overload causes the left side of the heart to enlarge and weaken.
How it presents
While puppies often show no obvious signs early on, a veterinarian will typically detect a distinct, continuous heart murmur during initial puppy check-ups. If left untreated, affected dogs usually develop signs of heart failure, such as coughing, rapid breathing, and lethargy, within their first year of life.
Treatment
The condition is highly treatable and often fully curable through a one-time surgical closure or a minimally invasive catheter procedure. This corrective intervention typically costs between 2,500 and 5,000 EUR, which successfully prevents the need for lifelong heart medication.
How it's tested
Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie)(Herz-Echo)
Primary testCardiac examEchokardiographie zur Beurteilung von Herzklappen, -wänden, -funktion. Pflicht z.B. bei Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (MMVD).
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Cardiac-OFA
Affected breeds
13 of 13 breeds
Mandatory testKerry Blue Terrier
RecommendedChihuahua
RecommendedEnglish Springer Spaniel
RecommendedGerman Shepherd
RecommendedIrish Red Setter
RecommendedMaltese
RecommendedMiniature Poodle
RecommendedPomeranian
RecommendedSchillerstövare
RecommendedStabyhoun
RecommendedWolfspitz
RecommendedYorkshire Terrier
OptionalShetland Sheepdog
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect where a normal fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and the pulmonary artery fails to close shortly after birth. This failure allows blood to continuously recirculate through the lungs instead of flowing to the rest of the body, putting severe, permanent strain on the heart muscle. Over time, this volume overload causes the left side of the heart to enlarge and weaken.
How is Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie).
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Kerry Blue Terrier, Chihuahua, English Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Irish Red Setter, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian.