Veterinarians from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science
have achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully implanting a
pacemaker in a cat for the first time in Thailand. The procedure was performed
on an eight-year-old domestic shorthair cat named “Pepsi,” which had been
suffering from frequent fainting spells caused by an irregular heartbeat.
Following the surgery, Pepsi made a full recovery and regained a normal quality
of life, marking a new level of advancement in Thailand’s veterinary cardiac care.
The medical team discovered that Pepsi’s fainting was due to a severe heart
block disrupting electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the
heart. To correct this, veterinarians used a high-precision diagnostic method
involving 24-hour Holter monitoring, followed by the implantation of a
pacemaker. Because of the small size and delicate anatomy of cats, the team
opted to access the heart directly through an incision between the ribs,
attaching the pacemaker lead to the heart’s surface and placing the generator
under the abdominal muscles. The surgery, which took about an hour, was
carried out by a multidisciplinary team specializing in cardiology, surgery,
anesthesia, and cardiac intervention.
The pacemaker and components used were the same type as those used in
humans but adjusted to fit the cat’s size. The device, valued at approximately
45,000 baht, was donated and sterilized for reuse, significantly reducing
treatment costs. Following the operation, Pepsi no longer experienced fainting,
could eat and play normally, and showed clear signs of improved health. This
success underscores the readiness and expertise of Chulalongkorn University in
applying advanced medical technology to veterinary practice, strengthening
Thailand’s position in international veterinary medicine and inspiring future
generations of veterinarians to continue innovating in animal healthcare
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