October, 2006

Kenny

Hi, my name is Kenny and I am a 3 month old black lab mix. When I came in to North Shore Animal League America a few days ago, the veterinarians here detected that I had a heart murmur. In addition, they discovered that I have a congenital heart defect called pulmonic stenosis, which means I have a constricted heart valve that is restricting the flow of blood to my lungs. Yikes!

I also have an upper respiratory condition and as soon as that has been treated, the League will be sending me off to a special veterinary cardiologist in New Jersey who will perform an echocardiogram on me. I think I am very lucky to have been brought to the League!

The cardiologist will insert a small balloon-tipped catheter through my leg and up into my pulmonary artery and the constricted valve. Then the catheter will be inflated to permanently enlarge the valve and allow the blood to flow smoothly into my lungs. This is a relatively new procedure for dogs. Just a few years ago there really wasn't any other way to treat this condition other than medication. This procedure will allow me to grow up into a strong, healthy and normal dog.

I am so lucky! If it weren't for this new procedure, the vets say I would only live a year or two before my heart would fail. Now I can look forward to coming back to the League where my new family will come to adopt me and take me to my new forever home!

Please help me send a big "thank you" to the League for providing all of the very best care for me. Give generously to the Help Me Heal program so that North Shore Animal League America can continue to care for pets like me that need a second chance at life.