Transarterial ductal occlusion using the Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder in 40 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the result of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion using the Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) in 40 dogs. ANIMALS, MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of the first 41 dogs at Texas A&M University in which ductal occlusion with an ACDO was attempted were reviewed. RESULTS: Appropriate device release was achieved in 40 of 41 dogs. Post-release angiography in 39 dogs documented complete occlusion in 27 dogs, trivial residual flow in 7, mild residual flow in 1 and moderate residual flow in 4; angiography was not recorded in one dog. The following day transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography documented complete occlusion in all 40 dogs. One dog required a larger device than could be deployed through the largest sheath accommodated by the femoral artery and the PDA was subsequently closed by surgical ligation. CONCLUSIONS: Ductal occlusion using an ACDO has a high rate of initial and 24-h complete occlusion. Ductal occlusion using an ACDO is a safe and efficacious therapy for PDA in dogs. This report confirms the positive clinical outcome of the original report in a large cohort of dogs.

Open heart closure of an atrial septal defect by use of an atrial septal occluder in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old sexually intact male Standard Poodle was admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital for transcatheter closure of a large atrial septal defect (ASD). CLINICAL FINDINGS: The dog had exercise intolerance and was thin. Findings on physical examination were within normal limits with the exception of a left base systolic heart murmur (grade 5/6). The dog was not receiving any medications. Echocardiography and thoracic radiography confirmed the diagnosis of ASD and revealed compensatory changes consistent with a large left to right shunting ASD. Results of serum biochemical analysis and CBC were within reference range limits. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Transcatheter ASD closure with an atrial septal occluder (ASO) was performed and failed. An open heart surgical approach under cardiopulmonary bypass was declined by the dog's owners. The dog underwent a novel hybrid approach involving active device fixation under temporary inflow occlusion after transatrial device deployment. The dog recovered with some manageable postoperative complications. As of the last follow-up examination, the dog had 10 months of event-free survival. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transcatheter closure by use of an ASO and open heart patch repair with cardiopulmonary bypass to surgically treat dogs with ASD has been reported. Transcatheter closure is not possible in dogs with large ASD. The novel hybrid procedure reported herein represented a viable alternative to euthanasia.

Outcome of minimally invasive surgical treatment of heartworm caval syndrome in dogs: 42 cases (1999-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of minimally invasive surgical treatment of heartworm caval syndrome in a series of dogs and to provide information on long-term survival of patients with this condition. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 42 client-owned dogs with a diagnosis of heartworm caval syndrome. PROCEDURES: Information on history, clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging findings and treatment was obtained from medical records. When possible, additional follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Of the 42 dogs with caval syndrome, 21 underwent minimally invasive surgical treatment consisting of transvenous heartworm extraction. Two of the 21 dogs died during the procedure, and after surgery, 4 died. Following induction of anesthesia, heartworms migrated into the distal portion of the pulmonary artery in 1 dog; therefore, extraction was not attempted. Transvenous heartworm extraction was completed successfully in 14 dogs, and all 14 of these dogs were discharged from the hospital. Mean follow-up time in these 14 dogs was 24.4 +/- 17.7 months with a range of 2 to 56 months. At the time of final follow-up, 10 of these 14 dogs had survived at least 18 months and 7 had survived > 24 months. By the end of the study, 1 dog was lost to follow-up and 3 had been euthanatized for unrelated reasons. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the study reported here suggest that dogs with caval syndrome that undergo successful transvenous heartworm extraction and survive to discharge have a good long-term prognosis.

Late cardiac perforation by a passive-fixation permanent pacemaker lead in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 12-year-old Miniature Dachshund with a history of permanent endocardial pacemaker implantation performed 7 weeks previously was admitted for routine dental prophylaxis. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Preanesthetic ECG revealed normal ventricular capture. Thoracic radiographic findings included caudomedial displacement of the endocardial pacemaker lead. Echocardiography revealed moderate chronic degenerative valve disease with moderate left atrial and ventricular dilation. After induction of anesthesia, loss of ventricular capture was detected. The dog recovered from anesthesia and had improved ventricular capture. The following day, surgical exposure of the cardiac apex revealed perforation of the right ventricular apex by the passive-fixation pacemaker lead. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A permanent epicardial pacemaker was implanted through a transxiphoid approach. Appropriate ventricular capture and sensing were achieved. The dog recovered without complications. Approximately 2 months later, the dog developed sudden respiratory distress at home and was euthanized. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with permanent pacemakers and loss of ventricular capture, differential diagnoses should include cardiac perforation. If evidence of perforation of the pacemaker lead is found, replacement of the endocardial pacemaker lead with an epicardial pacemaker lead is warranted.