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ELEVATE YOUR

DOGSSOME LOVE FOR THE
The Navicent Health and University of Georgia Pacemaker Donation Program helps provide
man’s best friend with much-needed medical devices.

AT THE END of a long day, nothing warms the heart quite like That memory came to Matula’s mind when her husband, Robert
a nuzzle from a wet nose. But like human beings, dogs are also Driver, needed to have his own pacemaker upgraded.
at risk for developing cardiac complications that can interfere
with length and quality of life. “Robert’s pacemaker was only two years old and still working,
so it seemed wasteful to simply get rid of it,” Matula says. “I asked
Knowing that surgeries to address heart problems in dogs can be his cardiology team if I could keep it after they removed it and then
very expensive, two animal lovers at Navicent Health decided called the University of Georgia [UGA] to find out if I could donate
to take action and help furry friends in need of cardiac care. the device to the College of Veterinary Medicine.”

“The similarities between how animals and humans are treated Matula felt confident that the experts at UGA, who saved one of
for certain diseases are very strong,” says Terri Matula, RN, board- her animals from being paralyzed years before, would be able to
certified cardiovascular nurse and clinical nurse at The Medical make good use of the pacemaker.
Center, Navicent Health. “When I was studying to become a nurse
20 years ago, I learned that pacemakers for human beings could be A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP
utilized in dogs, as well.”
Matula’s instincts were right on target. Her recommendation
At the time, Matula was the owner of a cocker spaniel that launched a thriving collaboration between Navicent Health and
suffered from third-degree heart block dysrhythmia. She knew that the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. What she had envisioned
pacemaker implantation might be a solution to help her dog live a would not only help the one animal who received her husband’s
longer and healthier life, but being a student, she did not have the pacemaker, but also countless other animals who could be the
means to pay for the operation that would cost thousands of dollars. beneficiaries of other donations.

4 navicenthealth.org | WINTER 2018