Nala's Save a Heart Fund

Nala is a 6 month old mixed breed puppy weighing in at 25lbs. She was left for dead at a high kill Shelter in North Carolina. Currently this shelter is under investigation with their local authorities for poor care and neglect. Nala was brought to the shelter back in March and was forgotten. She was diagnosed with Patent ductus arteriosus- PDA- left to right shunt. In this congenital heart defect, part of the oxygenated blood that should go through the body through the aorta shunts through the PDA and goes to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary over circulation and volume overload of the left side of the heart. Initially, the body is able to compensate but left sided congestive heart failure usually occurs, such as in Nala's case.
Nala's systolic function is still maintained but there is evidence of severe volume overload with consequent severe left ventricular dilation and left atrial enlargement. At this time, there is no clinical evidence of overt left-sided congestive heart failure, based on
normal respiratory rates. However, even though thoracic radiographs were not performed, there is echocardiographic evidence of high filling pressures and early congestive heart failure is suspected. It was, therefore recommended to us that Nala be started on heart medication or surgery as soon as possible.
In addition to congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary over circulation can result in increased pulmonary arterial pressure. If severe, pulmonary hypertension can result in reversal of the shunt in which case, the deoxygenated blood that should go to the lungs through the pulmonary artery shunts through the reversed PDA resulting in chronic hypoxemia. There is no evidence of pulmonary hypertension at this time.
Considering the morphology and size of Nala's PDA (on transthoracic echocardiogram), surgery is a viable option.
When the closure of the PDA is successful, most dogs live a normal life. Considering Nala's age, Doctors are optimistic that her heart will reverse remodel. However, based on the amount of cardiac remodeling seen on echocardiogram and the presence of congestive heart failure, it is possible that complete reverse remodeling will not occur. Therefore, even though it is unlikely, it is
possible that Nala will need congestive heart failure medications for the rest of her life.
At this time, she is otherwise a stable, healthy, and happy puppy. She is on the cusp of heart failure and we NEED your help now! Cardiologist has estimated $4,000 for this procedure and considering how tedious and involved this surgery is, it is very fair. Please help us so that we can save her and give her the life and forever home that she deserves!

**We are only asking for $3800 because we have recieved a few donations towards her surgery already**