University of Florida Launches First Open-Heart Surgery Program for Dogs in US

The UF College of Veterinary Medicine offers the surgery at a cost of about $45,000–$50,000.

Veterinarians Michael Aherne (L), Darcy Adin (2nd L), who is holding Louise, and veterinary surgeon Katsuhiro Matsuura (R) pose for a photo with Kimberly David (2nd R), holding UF's first patient to receive mitral valve repair, her dog George, at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine before George's discharge on Aug. 28, 2023. Courtesy of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Florida (UF) has launched the country’s first open-heart surgery program for dogs to repair a poorly functioning mitral valve.

Mitral valve degeneration is the most common heart disease seen by veterinary cardiologists, according to a report by program director Dr. Darcy Adin.