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Olathe ferret, 4, has successful pacemaker surgery at K-State

The Associated Press
The radiograph reveals the implantation of the pacemaker in the abdomen, where it will help Zelda maintain her heartbeat at a normal rhythm for ferrets.
The radiograph reveals the implantation of the pacemaker in the abdomen, where it will help Zelda maintain her heartbeat at a normal rhythm for ferrets. Kansas State University
MANHATTAN, Kan.

A ferret is recovering at home after receiving a heart pacemaker during a rare surgery at Kansas State University.

The 4-year-old ferret, named Zelda, is owned by Carl Hobi of Olathe, who took her to the Veterinary Health Center in Manhattan after Christmas because she was diagnosed with a third-degree block in her heart, which caused a low heart beat and a lack of energy.

The university says in a news release that tests determined Zelda was a good candidate for a pacemaker, although it had to be special ordered because of the small size of her veins.

The university says Zelda was released two days after the surgery and should enjoy a normal ferret lifespan.

It was the first time the Kansas State center implanted a pacemaker in a ferret.

This story was originally published January 31, 2017 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Olathe ferret, 4, has successful pacemaker surgery at K-State."

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