Presumed aortic thromboembolism in a 13‐year‐old dog, associated with an Amplatz canine duct occluder

Abstract A 13‐year‐old, female, neutered Border Collie visited the neurology department after suffering two separate episodes of hindlimb weakness and pain. The patient responded to rest and analgesia on both occasions, but continued to be reluctant to jump. Previous history reported closure of a patent ductus arteriosus, using an Amplatz canine duct occluder at the age of 1. An electrocardiogram‐gated computed tomography showed a lesion in the aortic arch, which was consistent with a thrombus, and was centred over the Amplatz canine duct occluder. A similar type of lesion was also found in the femoral artery. The recurrent and spontaneously resolving hindlimb weakness was thought to be related to thromboembolism of the external iliac arteries or their branches, associated with the thrombus in the aortic arch. Although rare, thrombus formation is a complication associated with the use of Amplatz type devices in humans, but it has never been reported in dogs with an Amplatz canine duct occluder.