Cardiologists at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in Solihull have performed a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure on an eight-week-old Staffordshire bull terrier puppy weighing 2.2kg, believed to be amongst the smallest dogs ever to have undergone the procedure.

Scans had showed that as a result of the PDA failing to close after birth, Teddy's heart had become significantly enlarged, with fluid building up on his lungs, causing dyspnoea.

The closure operation required a 1cm incision and involved passing catheters via an artery in the hind leg and then plugging the PDA. The whole procedure, including anaesthetic, took about 90 minutes to complete. 

Mike Martin, RCVS Specialist Veterinary Cardiologist at Willows who led the operation, said: "Teddy was already suffering heart failure, with severe heart enlargement. His breathing was very heavy and fast due to the fluid build-up in his lungs. He was not going to survive another week without the PDA being plugged. 

"We’ve gained a lot of experience over the years and we’re pushing the boundaries as best we can. We had previously operated on dogs weighing around four or five kilos, then three kilos, but Teddy, at 2.2kg, has been our smallest by some way. 

"It all went according to plan and Teddy was up, running and playing happily the same afternoon. There was a slight added pressure to the procedure, in that maybe he would be too small, but we made his owners aware of the fact it may not be successful and he might need traditional surgery. He’d been prepped and was ready for that if needed. 

"A lot of little dogs such as Yorkies and Chihuahuas suffer from heart problems when they are too small for cardiac catheterisation but instead have to undergo traditional surgery, so this type of interventional procedure is increasingly important." 

To find out more information about Willows Referral Service, visit www.willows.uk.net.

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