$12,000 donated to help lab with rare heart condition

BOSTON — More than $12,000 in donations have poured in to help a dog with a rare heart condition, said leaders at the MSPCA.

Hugo was born with a heart problem so rare the MSPCA – Angell Animal Hospital sees only about 5 cases of the condition a year. That’s juxtaposed with the more than 85,000 animal they treat annually.

Hugo’s heart condition makes it impossible for him to eat unless he is sitting straight up like a child.

The MSCPA said it received more than $12,000 in donations a fund overnight.

"Astounding," leaders wrote in an email to Boston 25 News.  "We are so grateful for the community’s response."

They said about $6,000 of that will be needed for Hugo's surgery and any amount above that will stay in Spike’s Fund, which is a restricted fund used to offset the medical care for homeless animals in the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center.

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The three-month-old pup was surrendered last month by a local breeder who said he couldn’t eat without regurgitating food.

Hugo's condition is called Persistent Right Aortic Arch, or PRAA, which means part of his heart is wrapped around his esophagus. The pressure makes eating and drinking almost impossible.

But with the right treatment, the MSCPA says Hugo will be much better and able to live a nearly normal life for a Labrador.

Angell officials say they are also looking for an adoptive home for Hugo.

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