Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
History: Boots is a handsome young papillon who was surrendered by a commercial breeding program with some health concerns that we learned off upon arriving to rescue.
The ultrasound confirmed that Boots has a congenital heart condition called a patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA. This is an abnormal blood vessel that connects two major arteries leaving the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This vessel is normal and necessary for a puppy in the womb, but it is supposed to seal off and close within a few days of birth. In Boot's case, this vessel remained open, or "patent." This is causing an abnormal amount of blood to be shunted from his body's circulation back into the circulation of his lungs.
This abnormal blood flow is causing some extra work for the left side of his heart; a condition we call volume overload. Over a long period, this strain can cause the heart to enlarge and eventually fail, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs, which is known as congestive heart failure. Thankfully, Boot's PDA appears to be on the smaller size and the impact on his heart is currently mild, his left heart is only borderline enlarged. He is not in or near congestive heart failure at this time.
While it is rare, another potential long-term risk is that the high blood flow could damage the lungs, leading to a reversal of blood flow through the PDA, which is a very serious complication. Because of these risks, the standard recommendation for any PDA is to close it. The procedure to fix a PDA is typically minimally invasive and has a very high success rate.
A small incision is made in his inner thigh to access the femoral artery. Using a specialized live x-ray called fluoroscopy for guidance, a catheter is passed through the artery up to the PDA and deploy a special device called an occluder. This device stays in the vessel permanently and blocks the abnormal blood flow. Once the PDA is successfully closed, the dogs is considered cured and can go on to potentially live a normal, full lifespan.
The outcomes for PDA closure are generally much more predictable and successful than for other procedures, though like anything, success rates are not 100%. But they are very high. The main potential for Boots is his size. At 8.5 pounds, he is just above the general lower weight limit for the standard devices and delivery systems that are available. He will need to have the procedure completed at U of M veterinary center by board certified cardiologists.
At this time, we are waiting for a month or two for him to potentially grow a little more. The risk of his condition significantly worsening or reversing in the next few months is low, though not zero.
A Note from the Foster: Hello! Miy name is Boots but I prefer Bootsie-Boooooo. I was born on Valentines Day and I am a love bug. I am nine months old and weigh 8.8 lbs and I am here to entertain you with my dancing, my zoomies, tail chasing especially when I catch it, and my sock stealing – I love Bombas. I really like treats and have learned to take them nicely. The nicer I am the more I get! I currently live with a 45 lb pittie and a 20 lb miniature poodle and we all get along and chase each other around the house. I play tug of rope with the big one and I always win!
I am shy around new people (especially men – they are loud) till I understand they are nice and some even give me treats. I love going for walks, although my leash manners are progressing. I want to smell every leaf and always have to catch the leaf that opposite where I am walking. AND most of all I love running in my friends fenced in yard. I do not like kennels (I am told I protest too much) but I sleep nicely with my humans and love to curl up next to them whenever I can, sit in a lap or follow them from room to room. When we go new places, I ride in a bag over my human’s shoulder and peek my head out till I am comfortable. Sometimes when I am playing my tongue sticks out and I am told I am soooo cute.
I really am working at potty training. My human takes me outside frequently and most of the time I get a head rub and treat when I do “potty”. At night I wear a bellyband and sometimes during the day if we know we won’t get out timely.I have not figured out how to let people know I need to go out.
