How it Occurs

• According to Robert McKee, DMV, when a puppy is in the womb, it receives its blood through the ductus arteriosus. Normally, this blood vessel closes shortly after birth. But when it does not, the result is PDA. When this vessel does not close, the lungs receive too little blood and too little oxygen, which leads to this serious condition.
  
  

Symptoms

• This is often a silent disease that is difficult to detect initially as in its early stages the puppy may exhibit no symptoms. As the puppy gets older, however, signs start appearing, though they may be subtle at first. Because the puppy is not getting enough oxygen to its lungs, it may be less active. This inactivity is usually the first outward sign of PDA. In some cases, a puppy may collapse, and its gums will have a bluish appearance, according to Race Foster, DMV. Puppies affected by PDA often do not grow at a normal rate.
  
  

Diagnosis

• PDA, which affects approximately one in every 1,000 puppies, usually cannot be detected until after the dog is at least a week old. The hereditary condition, which strikes more females than males, is most often not diagnosed until after six to eight weeks during a puppy's first veterinarian examination. The condition can be diagnosed simply by listening to the dog's heart via a stethoscope. Dogs with this condition have a distinctive murmur, according to Dr. McKee. Some dogs that are not diagnosed early exhibit such symptoms as difficulty breathing and coughing.
  
  

Treatment

• The only treatment for PDA is surgery, which involves simply tying off the ductus arteriosus. Tying off the blood vessel then allows the proper amount of blood to flow to the lungs. Surgery, which can cost more than $2,000, is up to 95 percent successful, according to Dr. McKee. Without surgery, 60 percent of dogs with PDA will die.
  
  

Prognosis

• The prognosis is excellent if surgery is performed early, according to veterinarians. Affected dogs can go on to live a normal life after a successful surgery, barring any unforeseen complications. Following surgery, pet owners are usually asked to limit their dog's exercise to allow for proper healing.