Persistent truncus arteriosus(PTA)
Also known as: Truncus arteriosus persistens · Persistierender Truncus arteriosus · Common truncus · Congenital truncus arteriosus
Overview
What it is
Persistent truncus arteriosus is a severe congenital heart defect where the two main blood vessels leaving the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, fail to separate during embryonic development. This leaves a single large vessel carrying a mixture of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to both the body and the lungs. The resulting overload on the cardiovascular system prevents normal circulation and oxygen delivery.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in puppies within the first few weeks of life. Owners may notice severe breathing difficulties, extreme weakness, stunted growth, and a bluish tint to the gums.
Treatment
Corrective surgery is rarely performed in veterinary medicine, so treatment is typically palliative, focusing on lifelong medications to manage heart failure. Palliative care and diagnostic monitoring generally cost between 500 and 3000 EUR.
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
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Persistent truncus arteriosus?
Persistent truncus arteriosus is a severe congenital heart defect where the two main blood vessels leaving the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, fail to separate during embryonic development. This leaves a single large vessel carrying a mixture of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to both the body and the lungs. The resulting overload on the cardiovascular system prevents normal circulation and oxygen delivery.
How is Persistent truncus arteriosus tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie).
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.