Breed Club Heart Testing for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Puppies

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a hereditary heart condition affecting the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta in unborn puppies. This vessel is crucial during fetal development to help circulate oxygenated blood but normally closes within a few days after birth once the umbilical cord is cut.

In some puppies, however, the ductus arteriosus remains open (patent), causing abnormal blood circulation that stresses the heart and can lead to heart failure if untreated. The severity of PDA varies, potentially causing serious health issues at a young age.

Because PDA is inherited, it is more prevalent in certain breeds. Prospective puppy owners should be aware that breeding affected or high-risk dogs can widen the prevalence of this condition in the gene pool.

Although there is no DNA test available to predict PDA inheritance, many UK breed clubs recommend heart screening to assess risk factors in breeding dogs to help reduce the incidence of the condition.

In this article, we will explore breeds at risk for PDA and the heart screening programmes available to help identify this condition early, prioritising responsible breeding and care.

Which dog breeds are at risk of patent ductus arteriosus?

PDA is more common in certain breeds, particularly small breeds and some popular pedigree dogs. The condition is twice as prevalent in female dogs compared to males.

Breeds at higher risk in the UK include:

• Lhasa Apso puppies
• Maltese puppies
• Pomeranian puppies
• Yorkshire Terrier puppies
• Shetland Sheepdog puppies
• Poodle puppies

Other breeds with predisposition include Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, German Shepherd, Newfoundland, Chihuahua, and Doberman Pinscher, highlighting the need for awareness and screening across various breeds.

Why are some breeds more prone to PDA?

Genetic mutations within certain breed lines increase the risk of PDA. Breeding dogs with a history of PDA or heart abnormalities perpetuates these faults, increasing the number of affected puppies over generations. This emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding practices to maintain health standards while preserving genetic diversity.

Finding unrelated, healthy mates is challenging in conditions prevalent in specific breeds, which underscores the role of heart screening to guide better breeding decisions and reduce PDA incidence.

How can PDA in puppies be detected early?

Early detection of PDA is crucial to prevent progression to severe heart damage. It is often diagnosed during the first veterinary examinations, especially when heart murmurs are detected before symptoms develop.

• Heart murmur detection: A characteristic murmur is frequently the first sign noticed during routine checks.
• Echocardiography: Ultrasound imaging of the heart confirms PDA by visualising blood flow abnormalities.
• Additional tests: Chest X-rays and ECGs may evaluate heart size and function if necessary.

Routine veterinary screening for at-risk breeds is essential to identify PDA early for timely treatment.

What heart screening protocols exist for PDA in UK dog breeds?

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) runs a heart screening programme aimed at detecting early signs of heart conditions, including PDA. This involves cardiac examination to identify murmurs and related abnormalities before clinical signs appear.

Many breed clubs align with the BSAVA screening scheme, encouraging members to participate and submit results to support research and improve breed health. Subsidies or discounts for testing may be available through breed clubs.

If you are a breed club member or considering purchasing a puppy from a predisposed breed, ask breeders about heart screening for their dogs and request test results prior to purchase.

Treatment options for PDA have improved significantly, with interventional catheterisation now often preferred, offering excellent outcomes when performed early. Surgical options remain available where appropriate.

Questions buyers should ask breeders about PDA and heart testing

• Have the breeding dogs been heart screened as part of recognised schemes?
• Can you provide documentation of the heart screening results?
• Is there a known family history of heart issues or PDA in the lineage?
• What health guarantees or assurances are offered regarding heart conditions?

Responsible breeders prioritise health testing and transparency, helping ensure healthier puppies and reducing the prevalence of hereditary conditions like PDA.

Conclusion: Responsible breeding and early screening improve puppy heart health

Patent ductus arteriosus is a serious hereditary heart condition affecting particular dog breeds in the UK. While no DNA test exists, heart screening programmes provide vital tools to detect early risks and guide responsible breeding decisions.

If you own or intend to buy a puppy from at-risk breeds such as the Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier, requesting heart screening certification is a responsible step to protect your new companion’s health.

Engage with breed club schemes and your vet for regular checks and support breed health improvement through ethical breeding practices and early testing.