Helen Woodward Animal Center Extends State-of-the-Art Surgery to Orphan Puppy with High Grade Heart Murmur
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (April 4, 2019) – A Helen Woodward Animal Center sweetheart is getting ready for an innovative and intricate surgery to repair a rare and high grade heart murmur. Over the last six months, the orphan puppy who has stolen the hearts of everyone he meets, has been receiving cutting-edge healthcare from Center medical staff in partnership with cardiology specialists at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center in San Diego.
In mid-October, Helen Woodward Animal Center welcomed an abandoned, terrier-blend mother dog and her litter of six 4-weeks-old puppies rescued from Central California. Upon arrival, the family received their medical checkup but one puppy the staff had named Cowboy caused concern. His heart had such an irregular rhythm that the vet techs could feel a distinct and loud rumble simply by placing their hands upon his tiny chest.
Center veterinarians diagnosed Cowboy with a high grade heart murmur. While mild heart murmurs are not uncommon in dogs, Cowboy’s condition is extremely rare and threatened to shorten his life. Cowboy, however, had the tail wag and the loving licks to let the world know he was up for any challenge and Center medical and adoptions staff were determined to provide him the absolute best treatment available and set up a plan for his long-term health.
Center veterinarians prescribed Cowboy a medication called Atenolol to help take pressure off his heart and placed the puppy in the loving care of one of Helen Woodward Animal Center’s most dedicated fosters. Over the last 4 months she has religiously brought Cowboy to the Center bi-weekly to receive his dosage.
The next step in Cowboy’s treatment will be even more extensive. The puppy is slated to receive a complex surgery which will be performed by expert veterinary cardiologists at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center extension. That procedure will involve placing a deflated balloon into Cowboy’s heart valve and inflating it to open up the stricture and ease the flow of blood, therefore lowering the pressure in his heart.
“We care deeply about every single orphan pet that comes into our care and go to great lengths to make sure that each one of these wonderful animals has the chance to live a long, healthy and happy life with a loving forever family,” said Jennifer Shorey, Helen Woodward Animal Center Director of Operations. “When we learned about Cowboy’s unique condition, we didn’t hesitate to find him the expert care he needs. We’re looking forward to seeing him thrive through surgery and eventually find a family of his own.”
Despite experiencing significant medical challenges as a very young puppy, Cowboy has grown into a happy, active and affectionate boy who loves meeting new friends! While his siblings and mom have all found forever homes, Cowboy has needed to wait to receive the upcoming surgery that will promise him a great quality life.
The “balloon” that will be used in Cowboy’s procedure had to be specially made for a dog of his small size. It is being delivered to surgeons and his surgery is tentatively scheduled for May 7th, 2019. We will keep everyone updated of Cowboy’s progress and recovery.
The Center is dedicated to its orphan animals and providing them the life-changing help they need. To donate to medical care for Cowboy and other orphan pets, please contact VP of Development Renee Resko at (858) 756-4117 x 347 or go to www.animalcenter.org.