“Ekko” Transferred to MSPCA-Angell as Part of Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support (MASS) Coalition
BOSTON, May 20, 2025 – Four-month-old “Ekko” plays and snuggles like any other young dog would, completely oblivious to the danger lurking in his own heart. The Pit Bull Terrier mix has severe pulmonary valve stenosis—a condition that could result in congestive heart failure, cutting his young life much shorter than it should be.
Luckily, thanks to the Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support (MASS) coalition, Ekko will get a chance at the full and happy life he deserves.
“Ekko came to us from Berkshire Humane [Society], one of our MASS partners,” explained Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley. “He had a 5/6 heart murmur, so it was clear he needed advanced care that’s really hard to get in that area.”
“Through this partnership, we were able to bring Ekko to Boston, where he’ll have access to the most advanced technology in veterinary medicine, not to mention world-class doctors.”
“We’re also fortunate to have access to the Pet Care Assistance fund, which helps both owned and shelter animals get medical care,” he added. “It’s a really amazing resource and incredibly valuable—in cases like Ekko’s, it’s a literal lifeline.”
Ekko was transferred from Pittsfield to the MSPCA-Angell’s care on March 21. He underwent testing April 8, which revealed the sweet young dog was only at the beginning of a long road to a normal life.
A Grim Prognosis
“Ekko’s condition means that blood flow to the right side of his heart has been restricted, which caused it to enlarge,” Keiley elaborated. “Without surgery, he could literally drop dead.”
Cardiology experts at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston determined the best treatment option was to perform a balloon valvuloplasty—a procedure in which a catheter is used to guide a balloon into the pulmonary valve. The balloon is then inflated to allow for normal blood flow.
“There are risks associated with the surgery, as there are with any surgery, but forgoing the procedure is like leaving a ticking time bomb in Ekko’s chest,” said Keiley. “He’ll be in the best possible hands at Angell—from the skilled surgeons to the experienced anesthesiologists and the amazing support staff needed for monitoring.”
“We’re confident that this is the best option to give Ekko the happy, full life that he deserves but it’ll come at a cost, and we’ll definitely need to be able to replenish the Pet Care Assistance fund.”
Ekko’s Next Steps
Keiley estimates Ekko’s surgery and related care will cost more than $10,000. Those who would like to donate to the Pet Care Assistance fund to help offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/ekko.
“Staff have really grown to love Ekko and the feeling’s mutual,” detailed Keiley. “He loves to snuggle and has been great at house training.”
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to keep him out of playgroups to make sure his heart isn’t overwhelmed, but he has enjoyed the company of dogs in calmer scenarios.”
Ekko is scheduled to undergo surgery on May 21. He will be available for adoption following his recovery.
“It’ll take roughly two-to-four weeks for Ekko to fully recover, but we know that he’ll be a really wonderful addition to the right family whenever he’s ready to find them.”
The MSPCA-Angell will post updates on Ekko’s surgery and recovery across its social media channels. Interested adopters are asked to monitor those for information on when he will be available.
