We were first notified of Tommy’s condition by our shelter partner Second Chance Animal Rescue in South Carolina. With no time to waste, our Rescue Team acted swiftly to transport Tommy back to our Pet Health Centers in Port Washington, NY.

Tommy’s echocardiogram confirmed that he is suffering from pulmonic stenosis. Dr. Gerard Laheney, Animal League America Senior Veterinarian, explained, “Pulmonic stenosis means that the pulmonic valve, which is the vessel that connects the heart to the lungs, is narrowed. For Tommy, he actually has a fusion of that valve so it creates a lot of resistance and forces his heart to exert far more effort.”

Your support of our Help Me Heal Program can help Tommy get the help he needs to not only survive, but thrive.

Tommy wants to explore his world, just like any puppy his age, but without treatment, he faces the looming threat of heart failure. Dr. Laheney outlined next steps, saying, “Tommy will have a consultation to see if he’s a candidate for a balloon valvuloplasty, which is a procedure that inserts a balloon into the pulmonic valve to open it up so his heart won’t have to work as hard. If successful, it could prolong his life so he can have a more normal lifespan.”

Any procedure must wait, however, until Tommy gets a little bigger in order for it to have the best chance of success. Meanwhile, we are looking to find a foster home for Tommy where he can be closely monitored to prevent overexertion. “It’s important for Tommy to interact with the world and be socialized,” noted Dr. Laheney, “but at the same time we need to make sure he doesn’t get overly excited.”

Tommy’s condition needs patience, vigilance and expert medical care, and we can give him all he needs – but we can’t do it alone. Your support of our Help Me Heal Program can change Tommy’s life forever, as well as countless other homeless animals in need for lifesaving medical care. Please consider making a donation today to help us mend hearts and save precious lives.