“Suki” Underwent Successful Surgery This Week at Angell Animal Medical Center
BOSTON, Aug. 17, 2023 – “Suki”—a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix known as a Cavapoo—had a bleak prognosis when she first came to the MSPCA-Angell. She had a heart condition that could be fatal if left untreated.
Her owner was not prepared to handle such a grave illness, with a lengthy recovery, so they surrendered her to the care of the organization on May 23.
Since then, the MSPCA has been committed to getting Suki the care she needs and will soon begin finding her a new home.
Angell Animal Medical Center Surgeons to the Rescue
Suki is suffering from Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a condition marked by an abnormal blood vessel outside of the heart that does not close properly after birth.
“It’s a good thing that Suki was brought to us when she was,” said Dr. Caroline Choi of Angell Animal Medical Center’s surgery service. “The longer the condition goes untreated, the worse it gets and, if left untreated long enough, it can eventually lead to congestive heart failure.”
Dr. Choi performed an open chest surgery known as a lateral thoracotomy to occlude—or close—the PDA on August 16 at Angell Animal Medical enter in Boston.
“Suki should have a long and happy life now that we’ve gone in there and fixed her broken heart,” Dr. Choi added.
What’s Next for Suki
“We’re able to help dogs like Suki thanks in large part to people who’ve stepped up and adopted a dog this summer,” said MSPCA Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Mike Keiley, alluding to the shelters’ high population of dogs amid an ongoing national crisis. “Without those adopters, we wouldn’t have space for local surrenders like Suki.”
Suki is recovering from surgery and will soon be ready to find her new home. She’ll be adopted out of the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center.
“Suki is an incredibly sweet dog,” said Keiley. “She’s loving and friendly. She’ll make the perfect pet for the right home when she’s fully recovered.”
The MSPCA is expecting high demand for Suki, so it is asking interested adopters to submit an inquiry at www.mspca.org/bostonadopt—and not come to the shelter directly to inquire.
“We’ve also got dozens of amazing dogs who are looking for homes now,” Keiley added. “If anyone out there has space in their heart and home to adopt a dog today, please stop by our open hours.”
The Nevins Farm and Boston Adoption Centers are open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. The Cape Cod Adoption Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Northeast Animal Shelter is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are not required at any location.
Dogs currently available for adoption may be found at www.mspca.org/adoptadog.
