Miniature fox terrier Madasun first South Australian dog to receive a canine pacemaker

MADASUN the miniature fox terrier is believed to be the first to undergo surgery for a canine pacemaker.

HISTORY: Madasun the miniature fox terrier with owner Talia Giancaspro of Findon. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

WHEN Madasun the miniature fox terrier became gravely ill, her owner Talia Giancaspro was determined to do everything to help her beloved pet survive — even resorting to what is believed to be a SA first in canine care.

Just three months after the 11-year-old dog conquered a rare type of cancer with surgery, costing Ms Giancaspro about $5000, she developed third degree heart block.

It caused Madasun’s heart beat to drop dramatically and put her life at risk.

And so, Adelaide veterinary surgeons undertook what is believed to be a state first, inserting a human pacemaker into Madasun’s tiny body.

The tricky logistics of the operation- finding a surgery with the right equipment, a surgeon qualified to perform it and a suitable pacemaker- were all fulfilled within a week of Madasun being sent to the SA Veterinary Referrals Clinic at Plympton Park.

The clinic’s Dr Scott Rose performed the surgery and a SAHMRI animal research facility at Gilles Plains had the right equipment to make the short operation possible.

Providing the final piece of the puzzle was Tina Collins, from St Jude Medical, a company which provides pacemakers for adults. Ms Collins suggested using a pacemaker that was out of date for human use, but fine for canines.

SA Veterinary Referrals Clinic practice manager Brittney Robinson said instead of paying between $5000-$7000 for a new pacemaker, only $300 was needed for new leads for the device.

Madasun has recovered well since the September 13 operation and Ms Giancaspro, of Findon, hopes sharing her story will help other pet owners.

“I felt like the time for her to go just hadn’t come, she had a fighting spirit and wanted to keep on living,” the 27-year-old said.