AN EIGHT-year-old chiweenie named Teddy from Midsomer Norton is recovering well after life-saving heart surgery.

It is all thanks to a GoFundMe campaign launched by owner Kim Forster to cover the £25,000 operation.

Teddy was diagnosed last year with mitral valve disease, a degenerative heart condition that left him struggling to breathe and with just months to live.

In June 2024, Teddy began coughing more than usual, prompting his owners to take him to the vet. He was examined and found to have a heart murmur. In November 2024, he was referred to an animal hospital, where he underwent an echocardiogram, a CT scan, blood tests, and a full examination.

He was subsequently diagnosed with grade B2 mitral valve disease, a condition in which the heart’s mitral valve weakens and does not close properly.

Despite having pet insurance, the family’s policy did not cover the £25,000 operation at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London, prompting them to launch the fundraising campaign.

Thanks to donations, more than £20,000 was raised to support the cost of Teddy’s surgery. The operation took place in July at the Royal Veterinary College in London. According to Kim, Teddy is recovering and has been able to resume walks and normal activities. His three-month check-up in October will help determine the overall success of the procedure.

Kim said: “You can still see a final balance of around £900 owed to the RVC, plus remaining bills with Langford Hospital. His recovery has been remarkable. He’s a very happy boy… it’s very difficult trying to keep him calm!”

If anyone would like to support Teddy's recovery, donations can be made through his GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/f/Teddy-had-a-heart-operation-insurance-will-not-pay

Contributions will go directly towards covering the remaining veterinary bills and ongoing care.