We recently took in a 3 year old Cockapoo called ‘Phoebe’ who is in need of urgent lifesaving surgery.
On arrival at Gables Phoebe seemed to be in a good state of health, but during a routine veterinary health check it was discovered she has a severe heart murmur. This prompted a cardiovascular assessment and scan of the heart at the vets to determine the cause and severity of the murmur.
Phoebe was referred to Bristol Vet Specialists, which is one of the most extensive veterinary referral facilities in the country, for further investigation.
After lots of tests Phoebe was diagnosed with a serious heart defect called a ‘patent ductus arteriosus’ (PDA), which is a congenital heart defect in dogs that occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that shunts blood away from the lungs during foetal development, doesn't close after birth.
Thankfully if detected in time this is the only cardiac disease in dogs that can actually be cured! She therefore needs specialist surgery before irreparable damage is caused to her heart.
Phoebe is such a lovely dog and as she is young we want to give her the best chance of having a normal happy long life. Therefore we are looking to our wonderful supporters to help us raise the funds needed for this life saving surgery.
It is estimated it will cost £8,000 for all the investigations done so far, specialist surgery and after care, medication needed, as well as basic care such as flea and worm treatment and vaccinations. She will also need to be neutered once fully recovered as it is vitally important that this congenital defect is not passed on!
Gables does not receive any government funding and we have felt the financial strain from the cost of living crisis, but are determined to help Phoebe.