Intracaval Repair of a Persistent Ductus Venosus in a Dog

A persistent ductus venosus was diagnosed in a 4-month-old Old English sheepdog. Total occlusion of blood flow to the liver was achieved through heparinization, hepatic artery occlusion, and placement of bypass cannulas from the portal vein and caudal vena cava to the right atrium. Intracaval closure of the ductus venosus then was accomplished. Despite postoperative complications of continued hemorrhage and acute renal uremia, the animal recovered. The neurologic abnormalities exhibited before surgery resolved, and the dog became more active and gained weight. The dog died due to undetermined causes three months after surgery. The ductus venosus was found to be closed, and the liver was markedly increased in size at necropsy.