Storm's story
Two-year-old Storm has been diagnosed with a life-threatening heart defect. His owner, pensioner Rita Lynch, fears she will lose her companion unless he has an expensive operation she simply cannot afford.
The German Shepherd was diagnosed with a heart condition by vets in August, but a referral to the Queen Mother Hospital in Hertfordshire revealed the full extent of his problem. Storm has suffered a heart defect, undetected since birth, called patent ductus arteriosus.
The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that should close shortly after birth. In dogs with the condition the vessel remains open, causing abnormal blood flow though the heart and lungs. Unfortunately, Storm was also diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat.
Rita said, “I was very shocked to hear of Storm’s diagnosis as he showed no signs of being ill. He is being treated with tablets but these will not make his condition better – he will deteriorate within a year.”
Storm’s young life will sadly be cut short without an operation to close the blood vessel. The operation costs £3,500 – an expense Rita’s pension will not cover, especially considering she has already paid £700 towards consultation fees, with support from her family. Tailwaggers Club Trust has already given a donation towards Storm’s operation; now Rita is appealing for help from fellow dog lovers and would be hugely grateful for further donations they could manage.