Her surgery at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center went smoothly — Dr. Hart shared that “Swish did beautifully under anesthesia” and is now resting, recovering, and thriving in her foster home. This brave little fighter truly beat the odds.
While Swish continues to heal, many more animals urgently need the same chance. Thanks to your continued support of our Help Me Heal Program, we’ll be able to provide that lifesaving care together.
Help Heal Swish’s Tiny, Fragile Heart
At just 11 weeks old, Swish should be discovering toys, treats and the simple joys of being a puppy. Instead, this tiny Chihuahua mix is fighting for her life.
Swish first arrived at North Shore Animal League America after being rescued from a commercial breeder. During her initial exam, our veterinary team detected something deeply concerning — a heart murmur so loud that it couldn’t be ignored. “Once heart murmurs reach a certain level, you can actually feel them,” explained Animal League America Veterinarian Dr. Katarina Valen. “Holding Swish, you can feel a constant vibration — even without a stethoscope. That’s how severe it is.”
Further testing revealed the devastating truth. Swish was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus, a life-threatening congenital heart defect in which a blood vessel that should close at birth remains open, forcing blood to flow abnormally and placing extreme strain on her heart.
“The abnormal blood flow was already causing her heart to stretch and struggle,” said Dr. Valen. “Without surgery, she would not survive.” Because Swish is so incredibly small, the minimally invasive procedure often used for this condition isn’t an option. Instead, she must undergo open-chest surgery — a delicate, high-risk procedure made even more dangerous by her size and age.
“Any surgery carries risk,” Dr. Valen explained. “But with a puppy this young, this small, and with open-chest surgery, the risks are higher. That said, if the surgery is successful, she can go on to live a normal life.” Originally scheduled sooner, Swish’s surgery had to be postponed until her lungs were fully clear; a delay that has required constant monitoring, antibiotics, and careful management to keep her stable. Throughout this critical waiting period, Swish has been lovingly cared for in the home of one of our Pet Health Centers staff members, where she remains under close supervision.
Now, finally, Swish is scheduled for surgery — and she needs your help. The hours after her complex surgery will be critical, followed by weeks of careful recovery and monitoring. If all goes well, however, Swish’s future can be completely transformed.
