How to Donate a Pacemaker for Pets
Pacemaker implantation in pets was experimental in 1968. By 1997, 100 to 200 surgeries were performed each year on cats and dogs. There are two ways to donate usable pacemakers. The first method is to procure one from a medical supply company. The second is to donate earmarked funds to a department that requests them. It is more beneficial to donate an unused model. Pacemakers removed from deceased humans may be removed incorrectly by a funeral home director. Tissue also may grow around the connection points and pieces may be lost.
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Instructions
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Donating a pacemaker
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1
Contact the nearest school of veterinary medicine at the nearest university. Inquire as to whether they perform pacemaker surgeries on pets.
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Ask for a referral if the institution does not perform surgeries or research. They may know of a regional facility. You also can do an Internet search to find an institution outside of the geographic area. Some veterinary schools have wish lists on their Web sites.
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3
Contact a medical supply company, explaining your intent. They may have expired pacemakers they are willing to give directly to an institution at no charge. Short dated pacemakers may last five years, rather than the standard seven, which may be acceptable for an older dog. If they do not have units to donate, inquire about pricing.
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Purchase or procure the pacemaker. The medical supply company may be able to send it directly to the institution or to your location.
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5
Double check the contact name at the institution. Make sure the pacemaker is mailed to the attention of the correct person. At large institutions, mail can be incorrectly routed.
Donating funds
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Contact your local veterinary school and find out whether they perform pacemaker surgeries.
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Research to find the exact name of the department and the spelling of the name of the contact person. If funds are not sent or written out to the correct department, your donation may be collected in a general fund.
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8
Save a copy of the check or money order for tax purposes.
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Mail a check or money order to the correct address of the program, and to the attention of the department.
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