This Shelter Dog’s Heart Was Failing—Until She Got a Rare Surgery Typically Used for Humans
Daisy Duke should have been just another happy rescue dog, getting ready for her forever home. Instead, a routine checkup revealed a life-threatening heart condition—one that would require a pacemaker for dogs to save her life.

Now, after groundbreaking pacemaker surgery, Daisy Duke is thriving in a foster home, thanks to the dedication of veterinary cardiologists, a generous surgeon, and the nonprofit Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).
A Hidden Heart Condition Almost Cost Daisy Duke Her Life
When the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center (MVAS) rescued Daisy Duke from a Riverside shelter, she seemed like a perfectly healthy 1-year-old cocker spaniel mix. But a pre-spay exam uncovered a serious condition—third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, a disorder where the heart’s electrical impulses don’t properly regulate its rhythm. This results in a dangerously slow heartbeat, slowing hearts to the point of collapse or even sudden death.

Without immediate intervention, Daisy Duke’s future was grim. MVAS veterinarians referred her to Dr. SeungWoo Jung, a specialist at Echo Vet Cardio in Tustin, where additional testing confirmed that pacemaker implantation was her only chance at survival.
The surgery was costly—dog pacemaker surgery costs can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the facility and complexity of the case. Fortunately, Dr. Jung provided a generous discount, and MVAS’s nonprofit partner, DAWG, stepped in to cover the remaining expenses.
On January 16, Daisy Duke underwent surgery under general anesthesia, during which a small medical device was implanted through a jugular vein with a small incision. The procedure was a success, and Daisy’s quality of life has drastically improved.

“We are grateful to Dr. Jung and his staff for taking such great care of Daisy Duke, ensuring she will have a bright future,” said Animal Services Director Brynn Lavison. “But most of all, we have to thank DAWG and its amazing donors for making this possible.”
Daisy Duke is now thriving in a foster home, and her story is a testament to cardiology services available for pets in need.
DAWG is currently accepting donations to help cover Daisy Duke’s medical expenses. To contribute, visit DAWG.org.
How Pacemakers Save Dogs Like Daisy Duke
While pacemakers are commonly associated with humans, human pacemakers in dogs are actually possible in some cases. However, most dog pacemaker surgery requires specialized veterinary medical centers to ensure success.

Why Do Dogs Need Pacemakers?
Certain breeds, including cocker spaniels, are more prone to third-degree AV block, a condition where the electrical impulse between heart chambers fails to regulate a normal heartbeat. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy and exercise intolerance
- Fainting or collapsing episodes
- Dangerous heart enlargement
- Heart failure
Without intervention, this condition can lead to sudden death. Pacemakers in dogs restore a normal heart rate and significantly extend a dog’s long-term prognosis.
How Is a Pacemaker Implanted?
During dog pacemaker surgery, a board-certified cardiovascular nurse and veterinary cardiologist perform the procedure under general anesthesia. The steps include:
- Inserting the pacemaker lead – A small wire is threaded through a jugular vein and positioned inside the right ventricle of the heart.
- Placing the pacemaker generator – The small medical device is implanted under the skin, usually near the shoulder.
- Programming the device – The pacemaker is adjusted to ensure the correct heart rate for the dog’s size and condition.
Dog Pacemaker Success Rate & Life After Surgery
The dog pacemaker success rate is extremely high, with most dogs living long-term happy lives post-surgery. However, pet owners should be aware of:
- Regular veterinary checkups to monitor pacemaker function
- Avoiding strong magnetic fields (such as certain electric collars)
- Watching for dog behavior problems after pacemaker surgery, including temporary lethargy or anxiety
Can You Donate a Pacemaker to a Dog?
Some medical programs allow individuals to donate pacemakers to dogs, especially if they are lightly used or unused human devices. However, most veterinary cardiologists use pacemakers specifically designed for canine anatomy.
FAQs About Pacemakers in Dogs
Can you donate a pacemaker to a dog?
Yes! Some veterinary hospitals accept dog pacemaker donations from human pacemakers in dogs, but they must meet strict medical standards.
Can you put a pacemaker in a dog?
Yes, pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for dogs with severe heart conditions.
Can a human pacemaker be used in a dog?
In some cases, human pacemakers in dogs have been successfully implanted. However, most veterinary cardiologists use pacemakers specifically designed for animals.
How much does a dog pacemaker cost?
Dog pacemaker surgery costs range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the location and complexity of the case.
Do they put pacemakers in dogs?
Yes, dog pacemaker surgery is performed by veterinary cardiologists to treat severe heart rhythm disorders.
What is the dog pacemaker success rate?
The success rate is very high, and most dogs lead long-term healthy lives after the procedure.
Are there dog behavior problems after pacemaker surgery?
Some dogs experience mild anxiety or lethargy post-surgery, but they typically adjust well with time.
Can pet owners donate pacemakers to dogs?
Yes, but it’s best to check with a local medical center or veterinary cardiology services to see if they accept pacemaker donations.
Daisy Duke’s story proves that with veterinary cardiologists, donor support, and advanced cardiology services, even the most serious diagnoses don’t have to be a death sentence for rescue dogs.