New OSU vet cardiologist implants dog pacemaker

A new verterinarian who specializes in cardiology has joined the staff at Oklahoma State University veterinarian and has implanted a pacemaker in canine patient.

Dr. Nicole Ponzio has joined the OSU staff as a clinical assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences.  Her speciality: cardiology.

She implanted a pacemaker in Molly, an 8-year-old mixed breed. The dog is recovering well from the surgery last month, Dr. Ponzio said in a news statement released by OSU.

Most of us think of cardiologists as doctors who looks after patients – not someone who uses a stethescope to listen to a dog’s heartbeat. But veterinarians who specialize in cardiology take care of their pup patients in much the same way as doctors. And the surgery to implant pacemakers is very similiar to the procedure for humans, according to OSU. Even some of the equipment is the same. And the pacemaker works the same as a human pacemaker.

Want Dr. Ponzio to check your dogs heart? Call (405) 744-7000.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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