My 9-month-old Doberman, Joker, recently went through emergency bloat (GDV) surgery on October 12th. During recovery, vets found fluid in his lungs and an abnormal heart sound. After further testing, his cardiologist confirmed on October 29th that Joker has Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) — a birth defect where a blood vessel that should close after birth stays open, forcing his heart to work too hard.

Right now, Joker is on Furosemide, Spironolactone, and Enalapril to help him breathe and control the fluid in his lungs, but these only manage symptoms — not fix the problem. The cardiologist said surgery is needed soon to close the PDA and save his life. Without it, heart failure will keep progressing.

I’ve already spent everything I had on his emergency surgery, and since his vet and cardiologist are in Mexico to keep costs lower, they don’t accept call-ins or outside donations directly. Joker means everything to me — he’s fighting so hard, and with help, he has an excellent chance at a full recovery and normal life after surgery.

Any donation or share means the world to us. Thank you for helping give Joker the healthy heart he deserves. ❤️

With gratitude,

Mariann & Joker