A team of talented West Lothian vets have saved the life of a beloved whippet with emergency pacemaker surgery.
Leading Livingston-based specialist vet, Anne French, has told the dramatic story of the emergency lifesaving treatment given to the collapsed whippet whose heart was perilously close to stopping.
Ten-year-old Chips was rushed to Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS) in Livingston after he had collapsed with an incredibly low heart rate of just 20 beats per minute.
The dramatic deterioration in the dog meant Anne, a highly experienced specialist in veterinary cardiology at VSS, had to act immediately in a bid to save Chips’ life.
Anne said Chips was in a critical condition when he arrived at VSS.
She said: “He was collapsed and unable to stand. His gums were pale and grey, and his pulse and heart rate were extremely slow at 20 beats per minute.
“A serious life-threatening third-degree heart block was confirmed on ECG.”
Thankfully, Anne, who heads the cardiology service at VSS, with the skilled team at VSS, was able to carry out the lifesaving surgery so desperately required.
She said: “We first stabilized Chips with an external temporary cardiac pacing system and then performed emergency surgery to fit Chips with a permanent pacemaker.
“The pacemaker is programmed to work at 60 beats per minute at rest, however, when Chips exercises it can increase to 120 beats per minute allowing him to exercise normally.
“Chips has recovered very well and is now back to normal exercise. He will need to have his pacemaker battery checked every year to make sure it continues to work well.”
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