Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Adult dog with sudden leg paralysis from heart vessel clot blockage
By Yoo, Jimin et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2026·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Spontaneous thrombotic occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus in an adult dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old Pomeranian was brought in with sudden paralysis in her back legs. The vet suspected a blood clot and found that her heart condition, known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), had caused a spontaneous clot to form. Despite starting treatment to prevent further complications, the dog's condition worsened, leading to kidney damage and ultimately her passing. This case shows how serious complications can arise in dogs with certain heart conditions and highlights the need for careful monitoring and tailored treatment plans.
People also search for: dog hindlimb paralysis · Pomeranian heart condition · dog kidney injury treatment
Abstract
A 7-year-old Pomeranian with a history of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was presented with acute hindlimb paralysis. Hindlimb aortic thrombosis (ATh) was suspected, and spontaneous PDA thrombus was incidentally identified on echocardiography and computed tomography (CT). Concurrent protein-losing nephropathy was identified as the underlying condition contributing to the hypercoagulable state. Low-dose antithrombotic therapy was initiated to minimize the risk of abrupt PDA recanalization, which could result in cardiovascular compromise. Despite treatment, distal ATh progressed, resulting in renal infarction, acute kidney injury, and death. This report describes a rare case of spontaneous PDA closure without surgical or interventional treatment. Thrombotic PDA occlusion should be considered in hypercoagulable dogs with a history of PDA and no audible murmurs. Echocardiography and arterial-phase CT can help in establishing a diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of close monitoring and individualized treatment in dogs with PDA and prothrombotic risk factors.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41742541/