Chris Linney and Fabio Sarcinella, the heads of cardiology at Linnaeus-owned Paragon and Willows have made veterinary history by performing the first ever interventional cardiology procedures on pets in the United Arab Emirates.

The pair were invited to carry out the laparoscopic surgery on four dogs suffering from pulmonic stenosis by the British Veterinary Centre.

Chris said: “The British Veterinary Clinic had previously referred a case to Fabio at Willows and subsequently got in touch about a further four cases in need of surgery, inviting us to fly out to Abu Dhabi to operate on these cases for them.

“It was a pioneering moment for the British Veterinary Centre and a first for the region and the Middle East.

“It’s the very first time that interventional cardiology has been performed in the UAE so, with the fantastic facilities and dedicated staff at the BVC, we have made history in the region!

“It was also the first time that Fabio and I had worked together and now we hope that this will be the first of many such collaborations.”

Fabio added: “With our collective expertise and knowledge, we know we can improve the lives of so many dogs that are living with conditions like pulmonic stenosis.

“Two of the dogs required balloon valvuloplasty and two required pulmonary stents inserted.

“All four dogs had great initial post-operative results and would be expected to lead happier, healthier lives as a result of these procedures.'

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.