HELP! My baby might have PDA (patent ductus Arteriosus) - YorkieTalk.com Forums

gentlybentley · 05-23-2006, 05:58 PM

Hi All...I am relatively new to this forum. I have been reading other member posts and have found this forum us full of valuable first hand information.

My yorkie is 15 weeks old and weighs 1 1/2 lbs. He has been to the vet several times and everything was fine. Well, starting two days ago, I noticed that he was sleeping alot and not eating well. I gave him nutra cal to help with his appetite and nourishment. This morning, he was coughing and whining. Then he pooped on my husband, so I knew something was really wrong. I rushed him to the vet. They did some x-rays and an ultrasound. She said he had fluid in his lungs, that his heart is enlarged and she suspects PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). She is sending me to a cardiologist for further evaluation. She sent him home on lasics (spelling?). I am so scared. I love him so much, and the thought of having to watch him die is heartwrenching. Does anyone know anything about this condition? I looked it up and I see the clinical stuff, but I'm wondering if any of u have personal experience. The vet did say that it may be operable....so I am clinging to hope! Please, if you have any input....let me know.

YorkieRose · 05-23-2006, 06:08 PM

I did a bit of reading and it said PDA is one of the common heart problems in small animals. Surgery is usually an option and the prognosis is rather good.
I wish your baby all the best for along life.

Patti · 05-23-2006, 06:13 PM

Oh I hope they can fix him. He is so cute. I will say a prayer for him and you as well . When can you get into see the cardiologist? Keep us posted.

gentlybentley · 05-23-2006, 06:20 PM

The vet is calling the referral center in the morning to get him in ASAP. I hope it's soon. I'm so worried!

megan_kat22 · 05-23-2006, 08:14 PM

I am so sorry he isn't feeling good, I know that is hard. But you got him to the vet and are doing everything you can. I'm sure he will be fine! You all are in my prayers, keep us updated. I'm sorry I don't know much on PDA, but I still wish your baby the best.

teffiemoore · 05-23-2006, 08:45 PM

http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/car...seases/PDA.htm
Here is an excellent site that explains this rather complicated problem. I used to be a labor & del. nurse and we dealt with this in skin babies and the problem is about the same with dogs. Please read this and hopefully it will help with knowing which type to ask about or at least knowing when the vet expains it. Please keep us posted. Sending lots of prayers and kisses from Yogi and Dori too.

gentlybentley · 05-24-2006, 03:36 PM

Hi everyone....thanks so much for your support. Bentley was doing terribly this morning. He could barely breath and was very lethargic. I got him into the specialist 2 hours away as an emergency. I was expecting the worst, but got some encouraging news. The echo didn't show any heart defect. He does have fluid in his lungs and this vet says that his heart is not really enlarged...just one side of it is a little enlarged but it's due to the fluid in his lungs. He seems to think that its non-cardiac pulmonary edema....fluid in the lungs related to some type of trauma. I have racked my brain trying to figure out what could have happened since I am not aware of any trauma...he's my baby...I am so careful with him. The only thing I can think of if maybe his little head got caught in the bars of his crate while I was in town and by the time I got back, he may have gotten it loose...I don't know. The vet said that it is a little more difficult to get rid of the fluid when it's not cardiac related, but he said that he's seen worse get through it. He's in the hospital, 2 hours away

. He'll be in an oxygen chamber with IV fluids and IV lasix 24 hours a day for up to a week. Please pray for Bentley, that the fluid will go away much much sooner and that he'll be home, happy & healthy in only a few days. I really believe in the power of prayer, so please, pray for my baby.
I am missing him dearly already. It is really good news that they don't think it's his heart...but he still needs all of us to ask God to pull him through this.
Thanks for everything.

YorkieRose · 05-24-2006, 03:40 PM

I am glad to hear the news is better then you thought....everyone here takes these sick Yorkies very seriously...there will be lots of prayers for your little baby.
Best wishes

DazzlinYT · 05-24-2006, 03:43 PM

My first Yorkie had PDA. It can shunt from right to left or left to right...one (can't remember which now) is worse than the other, and will show it's self at a very young age, as early as birth, there can be a murmer heard..it is a specific kind of murmer. Mine had the kind that wasn't as bad, he grew, and was healthy and strong, and for all practical purposes you wouldn't ever have known he was sick, until he had a murmer at over a year old. He did undergo surgery, and is wonderfully healthy now. The scary thing about PDA is that they can simply drown in their sleep without you ever knowing something was wrong. It's good that you've cought it early, and can fix it. He should live a totally normal life after surgery. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU and him!

DazzlinYT · 05-24-2006, 03:47 PM

Oh that is wonderful that it isn't PDA! Usually a trauma that would make the lungs retain fluid would have been to that part of the body versus the head/neck. My MIL lost a girl to it who was unfortunately stepped on at only 7 weeks old. She fought a hard battle, but her little body just was too hurt. Was very sad. I will pray for your little fellow!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gentlybentley

Hi everyone....thanks so much for your support. Bentley was doing terribly this morning. He could barely breath and was very lethargic. I got him into the specialist 2 hours away as an emergency. I was expecting the worst, but got some encouraging news. The echo didn't show any heart defect. He does have fluid in his lungs and this vet says that his heart is not really enlarged...just one side of it is a little enlarged but it's due to the fluid in his lungs. He seems to think that its non-cardiac pulmonary edema....fluid in the lungs related to some type of trauma. I have racked my brain trying to figure out what could have happened since I am not aware of any trauma...he's my baby...I am so careful with him. The only thing I can think of if maybe his little head got caught in the bars of his crate while I was in town and by the time I got back, he may have gotten it loose...I don't know. The vet said that it is a little more difficult to get rid of the fluid when it's not cardiac related, but he said that he's seen worse get through it. He's in the hospital, 2 hours away

. He'll be in an oxygen chamber with IV fluids and IV lasix 24 hours a day for up to a week. Please pray for Bentley, that the fluid will go away much much sooner and that he'll be home, happy & healthy in only a few days. I really believe in the power of prayer, so please, pray for my baby.
I am missing him dearly already. It is really good news that they don't think it's his heart...but he still needs all of us to ask God to pull him through this.
Thanks for everything.

gentlybentley · 05-24-2006, 04:09 PM

The vet said it could have been caused by direct trauma to the lungs (being accidentally kicked or stepped on) or indirect trauma (head getting caught in something causing strangulation, electrocution, etc). He said it can be from so much as holding on to him tightly to bathe him...since he's so tiny (he's 15 weeks & weight 1.7 lbs.)
I just pray that the fluid dissappears quickly and he's back to his normal playful self . I miss him so much already.

DazzlinYT · 05-24-2006, 04:13 PM

Ahh..okay gotcha, makes sense. Bless his little heart..you have my prayers as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gentlybentley

The vet said it could have been caused by direct trauma to the lungs (being accidentally kicked or stepped on) or indirect trauma (head getting caught in something causing strangulation, electrocution, etc). He said it can be from so much as holding on to him tightly to bathe him...since he's so tiny (he's 15 weeks & weight 1.7 lbs.)
I just pray that the fluid dissappears quickly and he's back to his normal playful self . I miss him so much already.

05-23-2006, 05:58 PM	#1
gentlybentley Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Schriever, LA Posts: 145	HELP! My baby might have PDA (patent ductus Arteriosus) Hi All...I am relatively new to this forum. I have been reading other member posts and have found this forum us full of valuable first hand information. My yorkie is 15 weeks old and weighs 1 1/2 lbs. He has been to the vet several times and everything was fine. Well, starting two days ago, I noticed that he was sleeping alot and not eating well. I gave him nutra cal to help with his appetite and nourishment. This morning, he was coughing and whining. Then he pooped on my husband, so I knew something was really wrong. I rushed him to the vet. They did some x-rays and an ultrasound. She said he had fluid in his lungs, that his heart is enlarged and she suspects PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). She is sending me to a cardiologist for further evaluation. She sent him home on lasics (spelling?). I am so scared. I love him so much, and the thought of having to watch him die is heartwrenching. Does anyone know anything about this condition? I looked it up and I see the clinical stuff, but I'm wondering if any of u have personal experience. The vet did say that it may be operable....so I am clinging to hope! Please, if you have any input....let me know.

05-23-2006, 06:08 PM	#2
YorkieRose YT 4000 Club Member Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 7,207	I did a bit of reading and it said PDA is one of the common heart problems in small animals. Surgery is usually an option and the prognosis is rather good. I wish your baby all the best for along life. __________________ Pat, Kate, Becca and Pinkkee Prim

05-23-2006, 06:13 PM	#3
Patti Donating YT 10000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 19,197	Oh I hope they can fix him. He is so cute. I will say a prayer for him and you as well . When can you get into see the cardiologist? Keep us posted. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : Maya's Mom RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

05-23-2006, 08:14 PM	#5
megan_kat22 I love my boys! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 1,910	I am so sorry he isn't feeling good, I know that is hard. But you got him to the vet and are doing everything you can. I'm sure he will be fine! You all are in my prayers, keep us updated. I'm sorry I don't know much on PDA, but I still wish your baby the best. __________________ -Megan, Tucker & Tripp "My little dogs- heartbeats at my feet" www.dropshots.com/megan_kat22

05-23-2006, 08:45 PM	#6
teffiemoore Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 738	http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/car...seases/PDA.htm Here is an excellent site that explains this rather complicated problem. I used to be a labor & del. nurse and we dealt with this in skin babies and the problem is about the same with dogs. Please read this and hopefully it will help with knowing which type to ask about or at least knowing when the vet expains it. Please keep us posted. Sending lots of prayers and kisses from Yogi and Dori too. __________________ Steph & Furkids,Yogi, Bogus, and Suki www.dogster.com/?320202 www.dogster.com/dogs/778799 Join YAP Here! "Animals are the most agreeable freinds"..

05-23-2006, 06:20 PM	#4
gentlybentley Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Schriever, LA Posts: 145	The vet is calling the referral center in the morning to get him in ASAP. I hope it's soon. I'm so worried!

05-24-2006, 03:36 PM	#7
gentlybentley Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Schriever, LA Posts: 145	UPDATE!!!!!...there's hope...but Bentley needs ur prayers Hi everyone....thanks so much for your support. Bentley was doing terribly this morning. He could barely breath and was very lethargic. I got him into the specialist 2 hours away as an emergency. I was expecting the worst, but got some encouraging news. The echo didn't show any heart defect. He does have fluid in his lungs and this vet says that his heart is not really enlarged...just one side of it is a little enlarged but it's due to the fluid in his lungs. He seems to think that its non-cardiac pulmonary edema....fluid in the lungs related to some type of trauma. I have racked my brain trying to figure out what could have happened since I am not aware of any trauma...he's my baby...I am so careful with him. The only thing I can think of if maybe his little head got caught in the bars of his crate while I was in town and by the time I got back, he may have gotten it loose...I don't know. The vet said that it is a little more difficult to get rid of the fluid when it's not cardiac related, but he said that he's seen worse get through it. He's in the hospital, 2 hours away . He'll be in an oxygen chamber with IV fluids and IV lasix 24 hours a day for up to a week. Please pray for Bentley, that the fluid will go away much much sooner and that he'll be home, happy & healthy in only a few days. I really believe in the power of prayer, so please, pray for my baby. I am missing him dearly already. It is really good news that they don't think it's his heart...but he still needs all of us to ask God to pull him through this. Thanks for everything.

05-24-2006, 03:40 PM	#8
YorkieRose YT 4000 Club Member Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 7,207	I am glad to hear the news is better then you thought....everyone here takes these sick Yorkies very seriously...there will be lots of prayers for your little baby. Best wishes __________________ Pat, Kate, Becca and Pinkkee Prim

05-24-2006, 03:43 PM	#9
DazzlinYT YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: TN Posts: 461	My first Yorkie had PDA. It can shunt from right to left or left to right...one (can't remember which now) is worse than the other, and will show it's self at a very young age, as early as birth, there can be a murmer heard..it is a specific kind of murmer. Mine had the kind that wasn't as bad, he grew, and was healthy and strong, and for all practical purposes you wouldn't ever have known he was sick, until he had a murmer at over a year old. He did undergo surgery, and is wonderfully healthy now. The scary thing about PDA is that they can simply drown in their sleep without you ever knowing something was wrong. It's good that you've cought it early, and can fix it. He should live a totally normal life after surgery. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU and him! __________________ Becki & The Dazzlin' Yorkies

05-24-2006, 04:09 PM	#11
gentlybentley Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Schriever, LA Posts: 145	The vet said it could have been caused by direct trauma to the lungs (being accidentally kicked or stepped on) or indirect trauma (head getting caught in something causing strangulation, electrocution, etc). He said it can be from so much as holding on to him tightly to bathe him...since he's so tiny (he's 15 weeks & weight 1.7 lbs.) I just pray that the fluid dissappears quickly and he's back to his normal playful self . I miss him so much already.