Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Fumipets
Dedicated Dog Owner Gives 12-Year-Old Canine Lifeline with Human Pacemaker
When our beloved furry friends face health challenges, the lengths we go to protect them know no bounds.
Meet Richard Berg, a devoted dog owner whose heartwarming bond with his 12-year-old miniature schnauzer, Tara, led him to take extraordinary measures to save her life.
In a remarkable act of love and innovation, Tara received a human pacemaker, generously donated by medical device company Medtronic. This heartwarming story exemplifies the unwavering commitment between pets and their owners and sheds light on the availability of life-saving treatments for our furry companions.
A Senior Pup in Distress
Tara, a spirited and active canine companion, began experiencing worrisome health issues that left Richard Berg deeply concerned. Sudden collapses and erratic behavior prompted him to seek immediate veterinary attention, fearing for Tara’s well-being.
Unraveling the Mystery
At River Veterinary Center in Preston, Minnesota, Tara’s veterinarian detected a potential heart issue and conducted comprehensive heart activity monitoring.
The diagnosis revealed that Tara was suffering from sick sinus syndrome, a condition where the heart’s natural pacemaker malfunctions, leading to dangerous heart stoppages.
The Lifesaving Solution: A Human Pacemaker
To ensure Tara’s recovery and continued happiness, the veterinary team suggested a pacemaker as the ideal treatment.
Though initially skeptical about the possibility, Richard learned that a straightforward and relatively inexpensive 90-minute procedure could equip Tara with a human pacemaker device.
The Heartfelt Gesture of Donation
Medtronic, a medical device company, played a vital role in making the procedure accessible for Tara.
With their generous donation of human pacemakers to veterinary operations, they support nonprofit organization CanPacers in distributing over 300 pacemakers to veterinary hospitals.
An Unprecedented Procedure
Under the care of Dr. Allison Masters, a veterinarian and assistant professor of cardiology at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Tara’s pacemaker implantation was a remarkable success.
A Swift Recovery and New Beginnings
Tara’s recovery was smooth and swift, a testament to the advancements in veterinary medicine. After a brief period of anesthesia, Tara returned home with Richard, her health steadily improving with each passing day.
Inspiring Hope and Education
Richard Berg and Dr. Masters aspire to inspire other pet owners about the possibilities of pacemakers for their beloved companions. Dr. Masters emphasizes that the procedure is relatively noninvasive, and pets typically recover quickly, returning to their playful selves.
Breaking Financial Barriers
For pet owners facing financial constraints, Dr. Masters assures that many veterinary colleges and practices offer assistance for those in need. The goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder pets from receiving life-saving treatments like pacemakers.
Conclusion
Richard Berg’s unwavering dedication to his canine friend, Tara, led to a remarkable journey of love, hope, and life-saving innovation.
Tara’s story stands as a beacon of the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets, showcasing the remarkable advancements in veterinary medicine and the compassion of organizations like Medtronic.
As Tara thrives with her new human pacemaker, this heartwarming tale reminds us that love knows no limits when it comes to our four-legged companions.
Source: People
