06/05/2025
Bear’s Surgery Update! 💜
Our brave little Bear made it through his surgery and is now in recovery. He underwent PDA surgery, which is typically straightforward, but it always came with risks.
Once the specialist surgeon began the open-heart procedure, they discovered Bear’s heart anatomy was not what they expected—it was abnormal and confusing. They called in a second specialist to consult, and together, they made a decision on how to proceed. They tied off what they believed needed to be done, and when Bear’s blood pressure became normal, it was a strong sign they got it right.
Not long after, however, they heard another heart murmur. They suspect there may be another issue with his heart, though we’re hoping it’s not serious. Due to the abnormal positioning of his anatomy, the surgeons had to remove one of his ribs just to reach the area they needed to operate on.
While we don’t yet know the full extent of Bear’s heart issues, we are so relieved and grateful that he made it through surgery. We’ve been advised to return to the cardiologist in a few weeks for more tests and to better understand what the future holds. The surgeon has prepared us for the possibility of further complications, but we are holding onto hope.
We were so excited for this surgery, as it was meant to give Bear a chance at a full and normal life. While things didn’t go as expected, we’re incredibly thankful for the skilled, compassionate team who adapted and got him through.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible surgeon and the dedicated vet nurses who cared for Bear with such expertise and kindness. Your commitment gave him a fighting chance, and we are so thankful.