Patent Ductus Arteriosus

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                      General Information



The developing fetus within the womb does not use its own lungs

to mix blood and oxygen.  Instead, it receives oxygen-rich blood

from its mother through placental circulation.  A blood vessel

(the ductus arteriosus) in the unborn fetus bypasses the lungs to

send blood to the rest of the body.  Only a small amount of fetal

blood flows through the lungs.  Normally, the ductus arteriosus

closes within a few hours of birth.  In some animals, the bypass

does not close, and blood continues to bypass the lungs and not

pick up oxygen.  A human infant with patent ductus arteriosus is

called a blue baby.  This defect occurs more in Poodles,

Collies, Pomeranians and Shetland Sheepdogs than other breeds.

Many affected pups die of heart failure within the first few

weeks of life, but most pets that live to 8 weeks of age survive

into adulthood.  When the bypass is small, the dog may live a

normal life without ever showing any ill effects.  Patent ductus

arteriosus also occurs in cats.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Surgical closure is the only means of correcting patent

    ductus arteriosus.  Medical therapy helps stabilize animals

    in heart failure only for short periods. 



2.  Your doctor will discuss the advisability of surgery. 



3.  Activity:  Restricted activity is essential for ____ days

    after surgery.  Do not allow running, jumping, ballchasing,

    or rough playing.  Activity may be gradually increased after

    this time.



4.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows:





5.  Incision:  Check the incision at least twice daily.  Report

    any abnormalities to the doctor.  Your pet will be evaluated

    for suture removal on:



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur: 



    * Your pet refuses to eat or is depressed. 



    * Your pet coughs or has trouble breathing.



    * Your pet irritates the incision.



    * The incision is red or swollen, or oozes fluid or pus.



    * You cannot give the medication as directed.