Case Study

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in a 1 year old F Brussels Griffon dog

The patient is a canine Brussels Griffon, intact female, 1 year old. Patient has generally been healthy. On the initial physical examination at 12 weeks of age, a grade II/VI holosystolic murmur was auscultated. The patient has had no clinical signs or evidence of cardiovascular disease. On pre-anesthetic screening for ovariohysterectomy, a louder holosystolic heart murmur was noted with the point of maximum intensity at left base of the heart.

The patient is a canine Brussels Griffon, intact female, 1 year old. Patient has generally been healthy. On the initial physical examination at 12 weeks of age, a grade II/VI holosystolic murmur was auscultated. The patient has had no clinical signs or evidence of cardiovascular disease. On pre-anesthetic screening for ovariohysterectomy, a louder holosystolic heart murmur was noted with the point of maximum intensity at left base of the heart.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Patent ductus arteriosis – seen on evaluation of the pulmonic valve and the pulmonary artery Echocardiographic examination was suggestive of a patent ductus arteriosis especially given the regurgitative jet noted when evaluating the pulmonic valve. PDA was seen briefly on examination of the pulmonary artery on a left long axis view.

Image Interpretation

Regurgitative velocities were noted on examination of the right ventricular outflow tract. However, no evidence of heartworm disease, cuor pulmonale, stenosis, or pulmonic hypertension was noted. A patent ductus arteriosis was seen on examination of the pulmonary artery and right ventricular outflow tract. No visible pericardial or free pleural fluid was noted. No echographically detectable evidence of infiltrative disease was visible. The mediastinum was free of masses in the visible window. IVSD 0.66 LVWD 0.66

Outcome

If the owners wish to pursue further intervention, referral to a veterinary cardiologist should be considered. Prior to referral, a blood pressure and an ECG should be performed along with three-view thoracic radiographs. A re-check echocardiogram should be scheduled in approximately 2 months.