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Young Beagle Is 'So Full Of Life' Following Surgery For Rare Heart Condition At CSU

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - There was an important checkup for a young beagle with a rare heart problem. Surgeons at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University are treating Lilly Rose, and Monday they got their first look at her since the complicated surgery.

Lilly Rose's condition makes it hard for her to get enough oxygen. Doctors at CSU say they typically see just two to four cases a year of the rare heart defect, and treating it is very complicated.

CSU DOG HEART SURGER Lilly Rose
Lilly Rose (credit: CBS)

Lilly Rose at 18 months old suffers from what's known as blue baby syndrome in people. It's rare in dogs, and usually deadly.

One month ago doctors placed a small shunt inside her body.

"It basically gives the blood a second chance to go back through the lungs and pick up more oxygen," Dr. Marisa Ames with CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital said.

The pup has gained weight and her red blood cell count is where it should be.

CSU DOG HEART SURGER Lilly Rose
Lilly Rose (credit: CBS)

"She's just so full of energy, she's so full of life," said Pam Gibney, a volunteer Critter Crusaders out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

As a rescue, Lilly Rose is the recipient of something else rare -- very expensive care that's managed and paid for by volunteers at Critter Crusaders.

"Years ago you would have just probably put a dog down or it would have died," Gibney said.

Instead, Lilly Rose now has a list of families hoping to take her home one day.

CSU DOG HEART SURGERY 5PKG.transfer
Lilly Rose (credit: CBS)

"It has improved her quality of life, her exercise tolerance is much better, her gums no longer turn blue whenever she tries to play," Ames said.

Doctors learned the procedure is working and Lilly Rose is now healthy enough to live life as a normal, playful puppy.

Lilly Rose's case has already been written up for veterinarians and students around the world to study and learn from.

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