Bouncing Back Strong

Teddy was diagnosed with Chagas disease at just six months old after becoming critically ill from severe heart disease caused by the infection. At one point, he was experiencing over 50,000 premature heart contractions on his Holter monitor, putting him at constant risk for life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure. Thanks to early testing through a simple blood test performed by his veterinarian, Teddy was diagnosed in time and immediately started on cardiac medications, diuretics, and treatment for Chagas disease.

In just six months, Teddy is out of heart failure, gradually weaning off many of his heart medications, finishing treatment for Chagas, and back to living a happy, energetic life. His story is a powerful reminder that early Chagas detection matters, treatment can save lives, and screening pets for Chagas disease—especially in endemic areas like Texas—can make all the difference.