The fundraising and heart surgery were a success for the puppy who brought Durango together.
Eva, a “little socialite” according to owner Taura Hatcher, received heart surgery July 29 to repair a heart defect known as severe pulmonary stenosis and an atrial septal defect.
“I want to give a huge thanks to Durango for being so compassionate in this experience,” said Lisa Parker, owner of Lisa Parker’s Puppies, who is responsible for rescuing Eva and her littermates from euthanasia in Chinle, Arizona.
Through fundraising online and the generosity of Durango residents, just over $6,000 was raised to help offset the cost of the surgery, trip and aftercare for Eva at Colorado State University, said Beth Lamberson Warren, a team member for Lisa Parker’s Puppies. Donations ranged from $10 to $1,000.
Pulmonary stenosis is the fusion or thickening of the valve leaflets in the vessel responsible for bringing blood to the lungs. This can lead to a lack of blood from the heart to the lungs, and can potentially be fatal, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s website.
The procedure required surgeons to go into a leg artery and insert a balloon, which was then expanded in hopes of correcting the heart issue. Parker said no open-heart surgery was performed, meaning the recovery time is much less and is mostly for the anesthesia.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Parker. “I can’t say enough about CSU and how amazing they were.”
Hatcher said she would go back to CSU “in a heartbeat,” as the surgeons knew she and Parker were nervous and therefore updated them frequently throughout the procedure.
Since returning home, Eva is doing well. Before her surgery, she used to weigh about half as much as her littermates and could play for only 10 minutes before sleeping for hours. Now, Eva has gained weight and has joined puppy classes, where people have been excited to see her, Hatcher said.
“She’s a crazy girl with lots and lots of energy,” said Hatcher. “She’s happy to see people and happy to give kisses. ... She’s Durango’s little sweetheart.”
Eva will be receiving an echocardiogram, a sonogram of the heart, within the next couple of months in order to ensure her condition doesn’t return. Doctors were hoping the surgery would relieve pressure in Eva’s heart by 50 percent but were pleasantly surprised when results showed a reduction of 90 percent.
Assuming all goes well, though, Eva should live a full, normal life, said Parker.
To keep up to date with Eva and her progress, “like” Eva Durango’s Sweetheart on Facebook.
Elaine Severson is a student intern in her junior year at Fort Lewis College.
