Chicken Noodle was living on the street, suffering from a life-threatening congenital heart defect and heartworm disease. Now in our care, Chicken Noodle will receive the surgery and treatment she has no hope of surviving without.

Chicken Noodle was found by animal control officers in Columbus, GA, a week before Christmas. We recently pulled this sweet girl from the shelter as she had some suspected medical issues. Once in our care, our vet examined her, who found that Chicken Noodle has Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a common congenital heart defect that occurs when an arterial shunt that remains open in the heart during fetal development fails to close at birth. This adversely impacts the blood flow path and puts additional strain on the left side of the heart. If left untreated, this condition will put Chicken Noodle into heart failure. In addition, she will need life-saving surgery to manually close her open shunt.

In addition to her PDA diagnosis, Chicken Noodle also tested positive for heartworm disease, which can result in multiple organ failures and death without treatment. Although Chicken Noodle might look like a strong and healthy girl on the outside, her body is fighting an invisible battle for survival. Both of these conditions could have put Chicken Noodle on a euthanasia list. We are so grateful that we got to this sweet girl in time. Chicken Noodle has such a fantastic personality. Despite the strain her heart is under, she is one of the most loving and affectionate dogs we have ever met.

Chicken Noodle was brought to a cardiac specialist in Auburn. She will soon undergo surgery to repair the shunt in her heart, which will cost $3500. After surgery, she will need 6-8 weeks of strict rest while she recovers. We will then begin Chicken Noodle’s 8-week heartworm treatment.

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