Hi, my name is Roberta and I’m owned by a little Westie called Ivy. She is 11 years old and the live of my life, my best friend. A fantastic confident little dog, that during all her life, had helped so many scared, insecure and reactive dogs.

Without mentioning Ivy is an honorary Great Dane :)

Last week, Ivy had 3 syncope episodes (kind of fainting). I rushed to the vet and after x-rays, eletrocardiograms, heart ultrasound and 24 hours with a holter, she was diagnosed with SSS - Sick Sinus Syndrome, that is characterized by a heart rhythm whereby the sinus node (which normally initiates the beating heart) does not discharge an impulse to trigger the heart to contract. As a result the heart literally stops beating. If the heart stops for more than 8 seconds then the dog will collapse/faint.

The only treatment is to put a pacemaker and the cost of the surgery is CHF 6000 (=€6000). Her health insurance doesn’t cover it because, as SSS is a very common disease in West Highland White Terriers, they consider it genetic based, what is not covered.

The operation will take place at MediVet Clinic, in Lausanne.

So, if you could help us with anything it would be greatly appreciated. Me and Ivy just say “merci infiniment”.