Cardiology

As in humans, artificial pacemaker therapy is recommended in dogs and cats experiencing symptoms caused by very slow heart rates that are not responsive to medical therapy. Pacemaker devices, which provide a signal that instructs the heart to beat more rapidly, can be implanted via an incision in the neck in all but the smallest of dogs. In very small dogs and cats, placement of these devices may require a more invasive surgical procedure.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most commonly diagnosed congenital heart disease of dogs. A small implantable device, the Amplatz® Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO), has been developed specifically for use in dogs with PDA. Via a small incision in the inner thigh, this device can be placed across the defect using catheter-based techniques. As with pacemakers, small dogs and cats may require a more invasive surgery.

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is a congenital disease characterized by narrowing of a portion of the heart and when severe, places the affected animal at increased risk for the development of heart failure early in life. A balloon-tipped catheter can be introduced into the heart via an incision in the neck and used to reduce the severity of the defect.

In the most severe cases of heartworm disease, surgical removal of the heartworms may be necessary, often on an emergency basis. This procedure can be performed via an incision in the neck.

Additional minimally invasive interventional procedures are available at UGA for animals that have one or multiple complex congenital heart defects, as well as those animals that require catheter-based techniques for diseases affecting the blood vessels (arteries and veins).