SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Humane Society (SHS) has received a medical equipment grant from the Banfield Foundation to help them purchase a EKG machine for their on-site clinic.
Banfield Foundation awarded SHS with $5,711.76 that was used to buy a EKG machine that allows the veterinary staff to monitor many aspects of an animal’s well-being while under anesthesia including heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
One cat is the first animal to use SHS’s new EKG machine. Libby had to undergo a leg amputation as she had a hock fracture and a third degree sprain resulting in ligament damage.
Following the surgery, Libby made a quick recovery in her foster home and was adopted by her foster family! She is more mobile than ever and can easily run on her three legs.
“Through the use of the EKG machine, we are able to provide a higher standard of care to every animal that undergoes general anesthesia. The impact of the EKG allows us to better monitor our patients, quickly catch any issues that may arise during anesthesia and properly respond to these issues to ensure the best outcome for our patients,” Spokane Humane Society Lead Veterinarian, Dr. Megan.
Currently, SHS is expected to help at least 2,000 pets over the next five years with the purchase of the Banfield Foundation funded EKG machine. About 550 pets have been helped since using EKGs beginning in June 2023.
The completion of eight specialty surgeries that would have previously had to be outsourced has been a cost saving between $1000-$4500 each. The grant from Banfield has paid for itself in savings alone.
For clinical appointments, visit the Spokane Humane Society Clinic website and contact clinic@spokanehumanesociety.org with questions.
