Source: Statesman Journal
Oregon State University veterinarians performed a groundbreaking heart surgery on Squirt, an 11-day-old ram lamb diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition where a blood vessel fails to close after birth. This procedure, typically performed on domestic animals, had never been reported in a lamb and is possibly the first of its kind. Squirt was initially evaluated at OSU’s Rural Veterinary Practice and Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where an enlarged heart led to the PDA diagnosis.
A team comprising Dr. Kate Scollan, a board-certified cardiologist; cardiology resident Dr. Charlotte Donnan; and large animal medical specialist Dr. Kelly Sears conducted the surgery. Harmony New Beginnings Animal Rescue facilitated the procedure by adopting Squirt, with support from the Erin and Mary Power Animal Care Fund, which provides financial aid for animals owned by rescue organizations. Post-surgery, Squirt was fitted with special shoes to correct his bow-leggedness, giving him a renewed chance at life.