Special Report: Doggie pacemakers

Cosmo is living proof you can teach an old dog new tricks. At ten years old, this playful pooch has learned how to be a puppy again.

A miracle considering Cosmo was near death this past summer.

Michelle Fagan, Cosmo's owner
"He was passing out, so he would just fall over and his legs would go out from under him. He was obviously in distress."

Cosmo's cure... a pacemaker.

The same device, that saves the lives of countless humans, is now being used to save dogs suffering with heart disease.

Dr. Helen Cecelia Marshall, Angell Animal Medical Center
"Without a pacemaker unfortunately these dogs will continue to have collapsing episodes and they also can go into congestive heart failure because their heart rate gets so slow that their heart can't keep up with pumping blood."

At Angell Animal Medical Center, roughly a dozen dogs get a pacemaker every year.

It's basically the same exact equipment and surgery that's done for humans.

All sized dogs even cats can get a pacemaker.

But with major surgery comes risks...

Dr. Helen Cecelia Marshall, Angell Animal Medical Center
"Let's see what your heart's doing kiddo."

Cardiologists are always on the look out for infections and making sure the pacemaker stays in place.

Dr. Helen Cecelia Marshall, Angell Animal Medical Center
"Overall it looks like our pacemaker is working really well."

At Angell, they're happy to report they have never lost a patient.

Dr. Helen Cecelia Marshall, Angell Animal Medical Center
"We have had great success with it. There are very few complications."

This is the sight and sound of a healthy heart...

For Cosmo's owner, it means more time with her best friend.

Michelle Fagan, Cosmo's Owner
"He's awesome. It's like I have a new dog. He's a lot more puppyish (little laugh)."

Saving your pet's ticker is not cheap. A pacemaker costs between $3,500 -$5000...and that's not including vet visits and follow up care.

The dogs can get back to a normal life with one minor exception… no more collars.

A collar would push up against the pacemaker...instead owners need to use a harness.