Oliver

Oliver receives ongoing life-saving treatment for heart failure at PDSA

12-year-old Oliver, a Jack Russell cross from Portsmouth, was recently diagnosed with heart failure and now requires regular medication to manage his condition.

His loving owner, Carrie Davies (51), knew something was wrong when Oliver started breathing faster and struggling to jump onto the bed as usual.

She said: “I saw a change in Oliver immediately. He just wasn’t himself and couldn’t jump up onto the bed. He had a glazed look in his eyes and really wasn’t looking right.”

Carrie took Oliver to her local PDSA Pet Hospital in Portsmouth, where an examination by one of our vets revealed that Oliver had a loud heart murmur (a whooshing noise caused by abnormal blood flow inside the heart).

Following blood tests, an ultrasound scan and chest x-rays, our vets got to the bottom of his symptoms.

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon Lucy Yeates said: “Sadly, Oliver’s x-rays and ultrasound scan found his heart was enlarged, and his valves weren’t closing properly, meaning that his heart was struggling to function. Dogs like Oliver with heart disease can slow down with their exercise and may have problems catching their breath or start coughing. He was started on medication to help his heart work more effectively, slow the progression of the disease and improve his symptoms.”

Carrie, who’s had Oliver since he was a puppy and counts two of his litter mates amongst her pets, said: “When the vet confirmed that Oliver had heart problems, I was absolutely devastated. Of all my pets, Oliver is the neediest and a complete mummy’s boy. My entire family was upset by the news and are obviously still concerned about him.”

She continued: “Thankfully, he seems to be back to his normal self at the moment and is doing well with his heart medication. He absolutely loves to play ball, he would play it all day if he could - so the vet has advised us to make sure he takes regular play breaks.”

Indeed, Carrie is grateful that, for now, Oliver is happy and his condition is being well managed – and she is cherishing every precious moment they have left together.

On her best friend, she said: “I watched Oliver being born - we have a special bond; he is totally spoiled and loved beyond belief. He really makes me laugh when he barks at animals on the TV then grabs his dog biscuits in case they’re coming to eat them. He’s also very intuitive. There have been many times when I have had sad news and he seems to know; he will always come and cuddle me. There’s nothing I enjoy more than a walk or cuddle on the sofa with Oliver and my two other dogs. Life will not be the same without him.”

To date, Oliver’s veterinary care at PDSA has come to over £400.

Thanks to the vital donations we receive from supporters, however, this has been at no cost to Carrie – whose financial circumstances suddenly changed when she became unwell.

She said: “For many years, I took Oliver to a private vets. I have used PDSA since I became unwell with fibromyalgia. I have been left unable to work and currently claim PIP and other benefits.” 

As well as private vet care costs not being affordable, like many pet owners across the UK, Carrie is also struggling with the increased cost of living.

She said: “It’s been very difficult with the price of everything going up. I’ve had to cut back on luxuries for the time being and watch the pennies. I will go without for my pets to have what they need though. I took them on so they are my responsibility for the rest of their lives. I will do whatever it takes, even if I had to sell everything I owned. I have stopped buying treats for myself and occasionally don’t put the heating on. We have blankets which keep us warm. I only eat one meal a day, I always have done, so it’s something I’m used to. You just have to make some good out of a bad situation.”

Carrie continued: “I do worry that in the future I might have to pay veterinary bills for my pets upfront and then claim off their insurance. I’m now trying to make a little saving pot so I can be prepared for if that ever happens.”

Carrie’s financial worries extend to other pet owners. She said: “I worry for other pet owners in the current climate. Vet bills, food and the general looking after of pets can be expensive. I would recommend doing a little research because there are pet food banks out there that will help and, of course, charities like PDSA that can help with free or low-cost treatment.” 

Ultimately, Carrie is extremely grateful to PDSA for the life-saving treatment that Oliver continues to receive.

She said: “Knowing PDSA is there to help is such a weight off of my mind. They really are a blessing to so many people, myself included. The people at PDSA are outstanding too. Each and every one of them go that extra mile to help. They’ve all been fantastic with Oliver. Please donate to PDSA if you can afford it. They are a lifeline for our pets, and their work is beyond amazing.” 

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 48 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 388,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Oliver's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for dogs like Oliver without your support. Please consider donating today.

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