Starved, abandoned, and now facing a complex heart procedure.

For Gunner, this nine-month-old Pitbull-type dog has already had to overcome many things in his young life and his upcoming surgery will be his biggest challenge.

Gunner suffers from Pulmonic Stenosis – a genetic heart defect that restricts blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

Since coming to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in September after being found abandoned on a rural road in Bellingham, shelter veterinary staff have conducted exams, diagnostic testing, external consults – all in an effort to decide the best course of action.

ARL believes that every animal deserves the chance to enjoy a happy and healthy life, and for Gunner, that means undergoing a Balloon Valvuloplasty (BV) procedure.

During the BV procedure, a specialized balloon catheter will be placed across the stenotic pulmonic valve and inflated to create a larger opening to allow better blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

Like any surgery there are risks, however with such a severe case of Pulmonic Stenosis, doing nothing is a greater risk.

“Without surgery, Gunner would be at-risk for syncope (fainting due to lack of oxygen and nutrients provided to the brain by blood flow), exercise intolerance, congestive heart failure, and in very rare cases sudden death” said Dr. Emily Forline, ARL’s Medical Director for CSM.

Gunner will undergo surgery this week, and after recovering from the procedure, will be available for adoption – just in time for the holidays!

Extraordinary Care

With routine medical care, diagnostic testing, surgery, follow-up-care and rehabilitation, the cost of correcting Gunner’s heart problem is an expensive endeavor. However, Gunner is just one example of the extraordinary care ARL’s shelter medicine staff provides to every animal who comes into our care.

This level of care is not possible without your support. ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding, and relies solely on the generosity of individuals like you to make a difference, and in Gunner’s case – save a life.

Please consider donating today to help Gunner and other animals like him.