Condition4 connections · 1 source
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
A congenital heart defect where the fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery and aorta fails to close after birth. This abnormal connection causes inefficient blood circulation and volume overload that can lead to heart failure.
Key Facts
- It is one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs and can also occur in cats.
- The ductus arteriosus normally closes within the first three to ten days of life due to increased oxygen levels and hormonal changes.
- Failure to close results in turbulent blood flow that typically produces a continuous heart murmur.
- The condition forces the heart to pump extra blood volume, which can eventually cause left-sided heart enlargement and failure.
Connections (4)
Related Conditions
Cardiac ShuntCondition
PDA is the most common congenital defect that creates a cardiac shunt.
Congestive Heart FailureCondition
Chronic volume overload from the shunt can progress to left-sided congestive heart failure.
Pulmonary EdemaCondition
Increased pulmonary venous pressure from the shunt causes fluid to leak into the lungs.