POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – In a unique twist on organ donation, human pacemakers are being repurposed to save the lives of pets with failing hearts.
The Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Center in Pompano Beach is at the forefront of this life-saving initiative, fueled by donations from compassionate individuals like Susan Kreitner.
Kreitner’s late sister, Kathy, battled terminal cancer but made the selfless decision to donate her pacemaker before her passing.
“She loved dogs in general,” Kreitner said. “Knowing it could save a dog’s life and bring happiness to a family would have made her ecstatic.”
Tacy Rupp, a veterinary cardiologist at the center, specializes in treating animals with heart conditions.
“It’s a unique need,” Rupp explained. “The requirement for pacemaker implantation arises in pets with electrical system disease, often in elderly or young animals with congenital heart dysfunction.”
While pacemaker implantation for pets has existed for decades, sourcing the devices remains a challenge.
A database of expired human pacemakers once provided a steady supply, but it has since dried up. Now, word-of-mouth efforts and collaboration with funeral homes are helping increase donations.
“I get calls every week,” said Ricardo Sanchez of the Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Center. “I chase the details—make, model, and when it was implanted — to ensure we can use it.”
The pacemakers are carefully implanted during a 90-minute surgery, which costs between $4,000 and $5,000. Rupp described the procedure, noting the delicate aftercare required.
“The pacemaker is often implanted under neck muscles, with leads going down the jugular vein into the right ventricle. Pets can’t wear collars anymore — they need harnesses to avoid damaging the site.”
Thanks to these donated devices, pets like Smoothie, a dog with a heart murmur, have a second chance at life. Kreitner expressed hope to meet the recipient of her sister’s pacemaker.
“Just for closure, I’d love to see the happiness it brings — to the dog and its family.”
With seven pacemakers ready for use and an increasing awareness of this life-saving option, the Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Center is giving South Florida’s pets the gift of more time, love, and joy.
Click here for more information on the Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Center and their pacemakers for pets.
