Fresh batteries give Lottie energy
A dog suffering from a slow heart rate was given a new lease of life when her pacemaker batteries were replaced.
Lottie started collapsing and suffering from a slow heart rate six years ago.
The German Shorthaired Pointer bitch was diagnosed with atrial standstill and fitted with a pacemaker, which would normally run throughout her lifetime.
But last September her heart rate slowed down again and Lottie was taken back to the vets.
Tests revealed some secondary enlargement of the heart and found her pacemaker's batteries had run out and needed a new generator.
The eight-year-old regained her energy immediately after the unusual replacement operation.
Her owner Russell Hounslow said: "Lottie's slowdown was so gradual that initially we missed the signs that the pacemaker wasn't working properly.
"It's only when she became like an old lady that we realised something was seriously wrong. With the new batteries she's just like a puppy again, it's wonderful. We've got our happy, energetic dog back."
Dr Clive Elwood, who led the team that carried out the procedure at Davies Veterinary Specialists, based in Hertfordshire, said: "It isn't common for a pacemaker to need replacing but some dogs simply need more juice than others and some units have better battery reserves.
"Hopefully Lottie's new generator will outlast her this time."