A TEAM of cardiac specialist vets in Northwich has saved the life of a pug after her owner noticed she was suffering bouts of twitching while resting.
Emma Tuke-Bennett, from Wilmslow, took eight-year-old Olive to her regular vet, who diagnosed the pug with a slow heart rate (bradycardia).
Olive was referred to specialist-led Cheshire Cardiology, which carried out further investigations at its state-of-the-art facility in Chester Road.
After undergoing a series of in-depth cardiac investigations, Olive was found to have a dangerously low heart rate of just 40 beats per minute, which is significantly slower than what is considered healthy for her breed.
Cardiologists identified a potentially life-threatening abnormality in the conduction system of Olive’s heart and recommended implanting an innovative pet pacemaker.
Now, after undergoing the successful surgery, Olive can return to living a normal life.
Owner Emma said: "I’m so grateful to the team at Cheshire Cardiology for giving my beloved Olive a new lease of life.
"It’s always worrying when a member of your family is unwell, but the whole team at Cheshire Cardiology were fantastic, keeping me updated on Olive’s progress and treating her like she was their own.
"I’m looking forward to many more years with our little Olive."
The rate-responsive pacemaker is a small device which works in the same way as a human pacemaker to keep the heart beating at a safe and regular rhythm.
The keyhole procedure saw a small wire inserted through a vein in Olive’s neck and into her heart.
The pacemaker, which is about the size of a small matchbox, was then placed under her skin.
Olive’s new pacemaker ensures that her heartbeat remains at a constant, regular 70 beats per minute, preventing it from dropping to dangerously low levels.
Dr Emily Dutton, RCVS Specialist, said: "After four weeks of complete rest, which we know was a little bit of a challenge with a usually energetic pug, Olive’s owner did an amazing job of keeping her calm and comfortable while her new device settled into place, and she’s made a full recovery.
"Olive’s new pacemaker has given her a significantly improved quality of life, and while she’ll need regular check-ups so that we can monitor her heart and her pacemaker’s battery, she’ll be able to live a normal life.
"We’re delighted with Olive’s progress so far, and thanks to the prompt action of her devoted owner and her referring vet, she now has the controlled heart rhythm which she needs to enjoy her life to the fullest."
Share