Hong Kong's First Canine TEER Heart Surgery Gives 10-Year-Old Pomeranian New Lease on Life
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong has achieved a veterinary milestone with its first mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) procedure performed on a canine patient. A 10-year-old Pomeranian named BB, who was diagnosed with stage B2 heart disease last August and whose condition deteriorated to stage C in May, underwent the groundbreaking surgery at WeHUG animal medical centre. The procedure, which uses a small incision while the heart continues beating, represents an adaptation of a technique previously reserved for human patients. One month after the operation, BB showed significant improvement with his left atrial volume reduced by approximately 40 percent and a marked decrease in coughing.
Key Points
- The surgery was conducted at WeHUG animal medical centre, marking Hong Kong's first canine mitral TEER procedure
- Patient BB, a 10-year-old Pomeranian, was diagnosed with stage B2 heart disease in August 2024 and deteriorated to stage C in May 2025
- The TEER technique uses a 4D transesophageal echocardiogram to guide surgeons as they deploy a clip fastening the mitral valve leaflets together to prevent blood backflow
- Lead surgeon Chiu Po-yu noted that unlike traditional open-heart surgery requiring a week or more of hospitalization, most dogs can walk by the next day after TEER
- Overseas studies indicate TEER can achieve a 78-80 percent two-year survival rate for stage C heart failure, compared to approximately 50 percent with medication alone
Why It Matters
This pioneering procedure opens new avenues for treating mitral valve disease in dogs, a common condition among small breeds that previously had limited surgical options beyond medication. As Hong Kong's pet population grows, this advancement positions the city as a regional leader in veterinary cardiology and offers pet owners a potentially life-extending treatment option for their elderly canine companions .
This pioneering procedure opens new avenues for treating mitral valve disease in dogs, a common condition among small breeds that previously had limited surgical options beyond medication. As Hong Kong's pet population grows, this advancement positions the city as a regional leader in veterinary cardiology and offers pet owners a potentially life-extending treatment option for their elderly canine companions .