PDA: Congenital Heart Welfare Updated 2025

Key Welfare Facts

Patent ductus arteriosus is the most common congenital heart defect in dogs, causing progressive heart failure.
The left-to-right shunting of blood causes volume overload of the heart, leading to progressive chamber enlargement.
Without treatment, most affected dogs develop congestive heart failure within months to years of diagnosis.
Minimally invasive catheter-based closure using coils or Amplatzer devices is now the gold standard treatment.
Success rates for catheter closure exceed 95% in experienced centres with minimal post-operative recovery time.
After successful closure, most dogs live a normal healthy life with no long-term cardiac welfare compromise.

Welfare Assessment

PDA is a correctable welfare problem where early intervention prevents the severe suffering of progressive heart failure. Referral to a specialist cardiologist for catheter closure as soon as diagnosis is confirmed provides the best welfare outcome with minimal intervention.

What You Can Do

Seek immediate cardiology referral when a heart murmur is detected in a young puppy
Discuss catheter-based closure as the minimally invasive gold standard treatment option
Perform closure before cardiac changes develop for best long-term welfare outcome
Screen breeding lines in affected breeds to reduce heritable cardiac defect burden