Evaluation of survival rate and prognostic indicators for surgical treatment of left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus in dogs: 52 cases (1995-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To determine factors associated with long-term survival in dogs treated surgically for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).


METHODS
Retrospective case series. Animals-52 dogs treated surgically for left-to-right shunting PDA.


METHODS
Data pertaining to age, breed, sex, body weight, clinical examination findings, type and duration of medical treatment, results of thoracic radiography and echocardiography, and surgical and postoperative complications were collected from records. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records or telephone interviews with owners or referring veterinarians.


RESULTS
22 dogs had mitral valve regurgitation. Mean weight and age were not significantly different between dogs with or without mitral valve regurgitation. Twenty-four (46.2%) dogs had clinical signs related to cardiac insufficiency. Left atrial dilatation was observed in 56.3% of dogs that were radiographed. Sonographic imaging was used to diagnose left atrial dilatation in 23 dogs and left ventricular dilatation in 25 dogs. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 92% and 87%, respectively. Diagnosis of mitral valve regurgitation before surgery was not associated with the probability of survival. Age, weight, lethargy, preoperative treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and right atrial dilatation on radiographs at the time of surgery were negatively associated with probability of survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment of PDA was curative in young dogs without clinical signs of heart failure. Surgical correction of PDA should be recommended as early as possible after diagnosis, and mitral valve regurgitation is not a contraindication for surgery.
Bureau
Stéphane
S
Le Bourg, 33480 Moulis en Médoc, France.
Monnet
Eric
E
Orton
E Christopher
EC
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome