Meet Brioche, a four-month-old ruby boy who is the absolute essence of puppy charm and exuberance. With boundless energy, a perpetually wagging tail, and a heart full of love for everyone he meets, Brioche brings joy to every moment—whether he's zooming around the yard or curled up for a cozy nap on your lap.
Medical Status and Special Considerations
Brioche is not currently available for adoption as he has some medical needs we must address before placing him in a forever home. Brioche’s mother has a history of heart issues, and we were told she was bred to her brother, so our rescue has taken extra precautions.
An echocardiogram has been performed, and Brioche will be seeing a cardiologist for further assessment of a potential PDA (patent ductus arteriosus). He will also need to be neutered before joining a new family.
Below are the results from Brioche’s echocardiogram :
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) vs. less likely an AV malfromation - This is a congenital condition, meaning that it has been present since birth. The ductus arteriosus is a vessel that is open normally during fetal development, but shortly after birth, this vessel should close. PDA refers to the lack of closure of the ductus arteriosus following birth. The open channel allows for additional blood flow through the lungs and left side of the heart. In rare circumstances, the excessive blood through the lungs can lead to vascular damage that results in pulmonary hypertension (an elevated blood pressure in the vessels leading to the lungs). The overloaded left side of the heart can begin to dilate and fail, leading to arrhythmias (disturbances in heart rhythm) and left-sided congestive heart failure (CHF). Arrhythmias can cause collapse or episodic weakness or disorientation, while signs of left-sided CHF, which is the accumulation of fluid within the lungs due to heart disease, include coughing, respiratory difficulties, exercise intolerance, and collapse. If pulmonary hypertension is present, right-sided CHF (the accumulation of fluid within the abdomen or around the lungs) can develop and cause abdominal distention or respiratory difficulties. In the rare instance of severe pulmonary hypertension, flow across the PDA reverses, leading to hypoxemia (low arterial oxygen content) and eventual polycythemia (excessive red blood cells).Reversed PDAs cannot be closed, but the polycythemia can be managed chronically. Two main options for PDA therapy are available: surgical ligation via thoracotomy or minimally-invasive transcatheter occlusion. Currently, transcatheter occlusion is available using the first cardiovascular device designed specifically for the dog, the Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder. This device is the first of its kind to use the most advanced technology available for cardiovascular devices and is placed into the PDA through a small incision in the inner thigh. In clinical studies, this has proven highly effective in occluding PDAs. Risks associated with this procedure include device failure or migration, and hemorrhage of the femoral artery. While we typically consider PDAs to be severe and require surgery (often as soon as we can schedule it) Brioche’s is slightly different. The PDA size is very small and thus only a small volume of blood is traveling across it. This is supported by the much softer murmur than we typically expect to hear, the normal pulses, the normal cardiac chamber sizes/function etc. With that said, it remains an abnormality and we would recommend surgical fixation but if this is not possible he is expected to have a better prognosis than most dogs with larger PDAs. Lastly, while I am by far the most suspicious this is a PDA there are other "PDA-like" conditions called AV malformations that cannot be fully ruled out based on the echo but are unlikely enough based on the echocardiogram today that I would proceed as though this is a standard PDA.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Medications: No cardiac medications are needed for the heart at this time.
Diet: No diet modifications are necessary at this time for the heart.
Exercise: Judicious exercise management. Let Brioche set his own limits; most regular activities would be fine while avoiding exhaustion.
Anesthesia: There is no immediate cardiac contraindication to anesthesia, and associated procedures (whether elective or necessary) can be pursued at this time. Proper anesthetic precautions should still be instituted for any patient with any degree of heart disease, including the use of heart-friendly drugs (avoid dexmedetomidine if possible), conservative intravenous fluid support (less than 1/2 the surgical maintenance rate), and close ECG, blood pressure, and respiratory status monitoring during and after the procedure.
Monitor For: Cough, shortness of breath (fast or labored breathing), collapse, or exercise intolerance. Please seek medical attention for Brioche if you notice any of these signs.
Reevaluation: If you are interested in pursuing PDA closure, please call MedVet Columbus to schedule.
Otherwise, I would recommend a recheck echocardiogram and blood pressure in approximately 9 months (sooner if problems arise).
We are looking for adopters who understand the importance of ongoing medical care and who are prepared to support Brioche as he continues his journey toward wellness.
Personality & Behavior
Brioche is a very typical puppy—full of life, curiosity, and a dash of mischief. His days are marked by joyful bursts of energy, especially during his famous “zoomies,” followed by epic nap sessions where he loves to snuggle close. He adores chew toys, fetch, bones, and any opportunity to play. Puppy chewing is present but easily redirected to appropriate toys.
Living with three Cavaliers and a cat, Brioche is keen on encouraging everyone to play, sometimes a bit too enthusiastically! Our dogs are starting to teach him boundaries, and Brioche responds quickly when corrected—showing his willingness to learn and adapt.
Training needs:
• Basic obedience—he’s just beginning to learn manners around treats and other dogs
• Leash training is a work in progress
• Recall is excellent: say his name and he comes running
• He’s a smart, happy guy who’s eager to learn
Ideal Home
Brioche would thrive in a home with another playful dog or as part of an active family. He’s equally suited to being the solo star in a household, provided he gets plenty of playtime and engagement. We are looking for adopters who understand the importance of ongoing medical care which will require regular screening by a board certified veterinary cardiologist and who are prepared to support Brioche as he continues his journey toward wellness.A fenced yard is a plus for his outdoor zoomies, but most important is a home ready for puppy energy and love.
He loves all people and is always up for new activities. (Car rides haven’t been tested yet!)
Other Details
• Feeds 2–3 times per day, but sometimes needs encouragement to focus on eating rather than playing with other dogs
• No favorite toys yet—he loves everything and everyone!
• Will need someone ready for the fun and work of a growing, happy puppy
Availability
Brioche will not be ready for adoption until after his cardiology recheck and neuter. We will provide updates as we learn more about his health and readiness for a forever home. If you think you could be the family for this spirited, loving boy, please stay tuned—Brioche’s heart may need some extra care, but the love he gives is boundless.
