References
A patient care report of a young crossbreed dog with a patent ductus arteriosus
Abstract
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital diseases seen in dogs, which usually will result in heart failure and death if left untreated. Veterinary nurses play a key role in the care of these patients through all stages of diagnosis and treatment, and understanding the disease process allows nurses to provide a higher standard of care through preparation and understanding of likely effects and outcome of disease on patients. This case report looks at the diagnosis, treatment and nursing care provided to a young crossbreed dog diagnosed with a PDA following auscultation of a loud, continuous heart murmur.
A canine crossbreed, Honey, was presented for investigation of a grade VI/VI left-sided murmur, which had been auscultated at a general health check.
She had been in the owners' possession for 2 days after being adopted from rescue. No previous medical history was known. At home she was reported to be very bright with no exercise intolerance.
Species: Canine
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 2 years
Sex: Female neutered
Weight: 7 kg.
On physical examination the patient was bright, alert and responsive. Heart rate was 88 beats per minute (bpm) (normal rate for adult canine 60–180 bpm dependent on breed, age etc), with a regular rhythm. A continuous grade VI/VI machinery like murmur was audible, with a point of maximal intensity at the left base radiating bilaterally and a palpable thrill. Respiratory rate (RR) was 24 breaths per minute (normal rate 10–30), with no increased effort. Femoral pulses were hyperdynamic but synchronous. Temperature was normothermic at 37.9°C, mucous membranes (MM) were pink and capillary refill time (CRT) was <2 seconds (normal rate 1–2 seconds). She weighed 7 kg, with a body condition score of 4/9.
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