However, failure of this vessel to close is a congenital defect that results in shunting of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. This shunting of blood usually creates a loud heart murmur that is often characteristic of this congenital defect. An echocardiogram also allows the cardiologist to determine how severe the defect is and what effects it is having on the heart's function. Treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus defect requires surgery. The standard surgical procedure involves open chest surgery by a veterinarian familiar with this procedure.
Surgery is usually curative and the patient can lead a normal life after recuperation from surgery.
The operation is usually performed when the puppy or kitten is 8 to 20 weeks of age or as young as feasibly possible. There are potential complications with the surgery. Since we are working around the aorta, hemorrhage is a potential complication that can even be life threatening. This is uncommon in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Surgeries are performed with sterile technique and the animals are discharged on antibiotics to help prevent any infection from occurring.