Alternative methods for the measurement of the minimal ductal diameter of a patent ductus arteriosus in a dog.

A two and half-year-old, 24 kg, spayed female German Shepherd was presented for evaluation of a suspected patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Transthoracic echocardiographic examination confirmed a left to right shunting PDA. Closure of the PDA was recommended, and the owners elected to have minimally invasive transcatheter closure of the PDA performed. Standard ductal angiography failed to provide adequate measurements of the minimal ductal diameter (MDD). Alternative methods of measuring the MDD using an angiography catheter and a balloon catheter were performed. The PDA was occluded using an Amplatz(®) Canine Ductal Occluder without complication. Further evaluation of these techniques is needed to determine the accuracy, overall clinical efficacy, and safety of using alternative methods for the measurement of the MDD of a PDA.