Successful heart op for pup

A twelve-week-old Jack Russell puppy is recovering after receiving successful life-saving heart surgery from vets at the flagship Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, London.

Jem, the puppy, was born with an abnormal connection between her aorta and her pulmonary artery. It did not shut off at birth, causing a patent ductus arteriosis. Without the surgery, Jem would have died before she was one year old. She was developing a cough, and was already on medication to help her struggling heart. Instead of normal heart sounds, her heart made a continual rumbling noise because of the abnormal blood flow. She was referred to The Blue Cross for surgery because her owners, who are on a low income, could not afford the surgery privately.

Chief veterinary surgeon Jess Gower, worked with vet Nadine Lock, who has a RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia, to complete the surgery with a supporting theatre team. This immediately corrected the flow in and away from Jem's heart to her body. Her heart function will now be normal, so she will grow healthily and live to old age.

Jess Gower said: “This was a tricky surgery to perform due to the extremely young age of the puppy. However, we are delighted it went well and that Jem is now healthy again.”

The Blue Cross has been providing veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets’ fees for nearly one hundred years.

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Photos of Jem after the surgery are available on request.

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