Symptoms of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) скачать в хорошем качестве

Symptoms of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect in which there is an irregular transmission of blood between two of the major arteries in the heart. Normally, blood by-passes the lungs through the ductus arteriosus because the lungs are not active and do not oxygenate the blood. When most puppies or kittens are born, the ductus arteriosus closes. PDA is when this vessel remains open and blood gets re-circulated through the heart, making the heart work overtime and eventually leading to heart failure. In some cases, the blood flow reverses, causing a portion of blood that has not been oxygenated by the lungs to flow to the body. Small and toy breed dogs are predisposed to this condition; however, dogs and cats of any breed and size can be affected. The majority of dogs and cats with PDA have a very loud heart murmur that can be heard when your veterinarian listens to the animal’s chest.