Veterinary specialists in Bangkok have completed Thailand’s first pacemaker surgery on a cat, giving an eight year old domestic shorthair named Pepsi a new chance at a stable and active life. The operation took place at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, where a multidisciplinary team handled diagnosis, surgery, and follow up care. The case marks a clear step forward for advanced heart treatment in small animals inside the country.
Fainting spells that led to a serious heart diagnosis
Pepsi had lived a normal indoor life until her owner started to notice sudden, frightening episodes. She became weak without warning, collapsed, stiffened, and sometimes cried out, then seemed confused for a short time. These spells happened several times a day, so the family booked an urgent visit to Chulalongkorn Small Animal Hospital.
At the hospital, the team examined Pepsi, checked blood work, and recorded an electrocardiogram to review her heart rhythm. They then fitted a 24 hour Holter monitor, which tracked her heartbeat during rest, activity, and sleep. The recordings showed a severe atrioventricular block, where electrical signals from the upper chambers failed to reach the lower chambers in a steady way. Her heart rate dropped well below the normal range for a cat, which reduced blood flow to the brain and matched the collapse episodes seen at home.
Standard drug treatment did not correct the rhythm problem, so cardiologists discussed long term options with the family. After careful review, they recommended pacemaker implantation as the best way to keep Pepsi’s heart rate within a safe range and protect her from further fainting spells.
Inside the operating room
Pacemaker implantation in cats is rare and technically demanding, since their veins are narrow and their heart muscle is thin. For Pepsi, the surgeons selected an epicardial system rather than the method often used in dogs. They opened the chest through a small space between the ribs and placed the pacing lead directly on the outer surface of the heart.
From there, they passed the cable under the skin to the abdomen, where the battery unit, known as the generator, now sits under the abdominal muscles. This position keeps the device stable and shields it from bumps during daily movement. The surgery took about an hour and involved close cooperation between cardiologists, soft tissue surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiovascular staff.
The pacemaker is a human grade device that the team programmed for a cat’s heartbeat. It tracks Pepsi’s rhythm and sends a small electrical pulse whenever her heart rate falls below the target level set by the cardiology team.
Recovery and daily life with a pacemaker
Pepsi woke from anesthesia with a steady heart rhythm and stable vital signs. The collapse episodes stopped, her appetite returned, and she slowly went back to exploring her surroundings in the hospital ward. After discharge, her family reported that she moved with more confidence at home, climbed on furniture again, and showed interest in play.
Her care now includes regular follow up visits, often every three months. During each visit, veterinarians interrogate the pacemaker, review stored data, and adjust the settings when needed. They also track battery status, which should remain adequate for several years under normal use. When the battery charge nears its limit, the team can plan a generator replacement while leaving the lead fixed on the heart.
Pepsi’s case also reminds many owners that serious conditions can remain hidden behind vague signs like tiredness or brief spells of collapse. Some families focus on heart health, while others worry more about safety outdoors. Owners who track roaming cats or dogs often look at GPS collars, and detailed resources such as this <a href=”https://petsafenest.com/tractive-gps-review-2025-is-this-dog-and-cat-tracker-worth-the-money”>Tractive GPS dog and cat tracker review</a> help them understand how modern trackers follow pets in real time.
What the surgery means for Thai pet owners
This operation is the first reported pacemaker implant in a cat in Thailand and shows that advanced cardiology for small animals is now available inside the country. Pet owners facing complex rhythm problems no longer need to think only about referral abroad for this type of treatment. The team at Chulalongkorn University expects more cases of severe bradycardia and conduction disease in dogs and cats to reach their service after Pepsi’s successful outcome.
International experience with feline pacemakers points to better quality of life and longer survival in animals with conditions similar to Pepsi’s, and her progress so far matches those results. Thai veterinarians now have a local example that they can share with families who feel unsure about this kind of surgery.
Experts advise owners to seek prompt care when a pet shows sudden collapse, clear weakness, unusual breathing at rest, or a strong drop in activity. These signs can link to heart disease or other serious disorders, and a basic clinical exam with an electrocardiogram often gives crucial information in a short time. Early diagnosis creates more treatment options and lowers the chance of lasting damage.
Pepsi’s story highlights the value of an observant family and a prepared medical team working toward the same goal. Her owners trusted their instincts, asked for specialist help, and agreed to a complex procedure when they understood the risks and benefits. The hospital staff then applied careful diagnostics and precise surgery to give Pepsi a safer heart rhythm and a realistic chance at many more calm days at home.
