Patent Ductus Arteriosus Surgery
Breed: Miniature Poodle
DOB: 2000
Sex: Neutered male
Foster home: Cheryle T.
Marcel is partly a miracle dog. When we were asked to take him from a shelter, they only knew that he was a really wonderful dog but he had a bad heart murmur. Since he was found as a stray and never claimed by an owner, there was no history available on him. However, knowing that many poodles develop murmurs that are easily managed with low cost drugs, we agreed to take him into our program.
When he went to the vet, they were shocked at how bad his heart murmur was and recommended that we take him to a cardiologist. Marcel was diagnosed with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) – this is usually diagnosed in puppies! Without surgery, most do not live over 5 months old and many do not even live this long. If the surgery is performed in time and there are no complications, the dogs are completely cured and live a normal lifespan. How did Marcel manage to live this long with such a serious medical problem? All we can say is that we are glad he did because he does have a wonderful personality! In discussing his condition with the cardio veterinarian, this is a rare thing to have a dog live as long as Marcel. But without the surgery, he will probably have other medical complications and no veterinarian would consider neutering him or performing a teeth cleaning as he would likely not survive the procedures. Since he REALLY needs his teeth cleaned, he does need to have the PDA correction surgery.
This is not an inexpensive surgery so we are asking for donations to help defer the estimated $500 surgery. Do you have it in your heart to donate money to fix Marcel’s broken heart?
UPDATE:
Marcel had his surgery Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at MSU. He has a large scar on his chest and is shaved on one side of his body. He looked rather like a Franken-dog, pretty pathetic. He didn’t move much at all and moaned when I picked him up. When I picked him up prior to his surgery I could feel his heart making a definite whooshing sound. Now three weeks later he is zipping around the house, climbing on crates to investigate and being a great loving companion and except for the extreme hairdo you wouldn’t know he was so ill. He is a very special little guy and now will have the kind of life he deserves thank to the supporters of Animal Placement Bureau who are helping us assist these special needs dogs.
Sponsors: Kari Miles
