Managing chronic heart conditions

Having a pet suffering from a chronic, sometimes life-threatening, medical condition is a stressful and worrying time for owners. For those living in financial hardship, the cost of providing the long-term veterinary care they need causes additional anxiety. Sadly, some face the difficult choice of having to euthanase their beloved pet if they cannot afford their treatment.

PDSA are here to help people who have nowhere else to turn when their pet falls sick. With our veterinary expertise and the right medicines, we can help give pets with serious conditions longer and healthier lives.

This year, generous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery funded vital, life-saving medication to treat all pets needing treatment for chronic heart conditions - that's 9,055 of PDSA's pet patients.

We also provide on-going support to owners on the best way to look after dogs and cats living with heart conditions through free expert advice in our player-funded online Pet Health Hub.  

pdsa provided life-saving medication to 9,055 pets with heart conditions
pdsa dispensed 1.9million tablets for heart conditions

Alfie

Twelve-year-old Alfie’s owner, Jacky, initially took him to a vets due to a cough and exercise intolerance. During their investigations, they discovered he had a heart murmur. Jacky could not afford the further tests required and turned to PDSA for help. 

After being referred to New Cross PDSA Pet Hospital Alfie was diagnosed with heart disease and was put on lifelong medication to keep him alive and well.

PDSA vet, Lynne James, said: “Every year PDSA provides long-term medication and ongoing care for thousands of much-loved pets like Alfie, who sadly are suffering from various types of heart disease.”

She continued: “In 2021 we’ve had an extra boost thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have supported the cost of this life-saving medication for our pet patients eligible for free treatment.”

Owner Jacky said: “Alfie has been a rock for us throughout the pandemic. I care for my disabled brother Jeffrey, who is severely autistic and blind, and Alfie has helped us both through these very challenging times.

“The amazing team at PDSA have been brilliant, they’ve ensured his pills were delivered throughout the lockdowns, which has been a welcome relief. To know that the cost of all of his essential medication this year is covered by players of People’s Postcode Lottery is wonderful – we’re so thankful for their support!”

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