Dylan, a 14-year-old Griffon Bruxellois, was in desperate danger with concerned vets warning that his failing heart could stop at any moment.

He was referred for expert care at Linnaeus-owned Southfields, in Laindon, and was treated by the hospital’s head of cardiology, Xavier Navarro-Cubas, an RCVS and European specialist.

Xavier said: “Unfortunately Dylan was suffering from a third-degree atrioventricular heart block which, sadly, is not compatible with life.

“When this condition is diagnosed in dogs, it tends to lead to major adverse events such as heart failure, typically right-sided heart failure, like Dylan, and eventually sudden death.

“Pacemaker implantation is the only treatment option that can offer a definite and long-term solution for these patients.”

Dylan’s relieved owner Lisa James, from Bromley, South East London, admitted she was not sure whether her treasured pet would pull through but was full of praise for the care and treatment received at Southfields.

She recalled the worrying ordeal, saying: “We first became aware there was a problem when we took him to our local vets with what we thought was an upset tummy which went on for weeks.

“When the vets did a thorough examination it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t his tummy at all.

“An electrocardiogram test showed his heart-rate was very low to the point where the vet said Dylan’s heart could stop at any moment.

“It was devastating news but in an odd way I was relieved, as it was at least an explanation for Dylan’s troubles and something could be done about it.

“We were referred to Southfields for specialist care and I remember asking him ‘Why Southfields? Are they good?’ and he replied ‘Very good. I wouldn’t send you anywhere else’.

“He was right. Southfields were amazing and kept me fully informed all the time. They advised me of all the risks and reminded me that Dylan was a 14-year-old dog and they couldn’t give me any guarantees, so I knew what could be ahead.

“Happily, though, everything turned out well and Dylan has made a fabulous recovery, he’s like a puppy again! That’s why I would 100 per cent recommend Southfields to other pet owners.

“In fact, I’ve left them a review saying I would still have recommended them even if there had not been a good outcome for Dylan. That’s how good they were.”

Southfields, which is moving to a state-of-the-art new £16 million site in Basildon, Essex, next year, offers a range of specialist-led services including anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dermatology, exotics, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, radiotherapy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery.

For more information on Cardiology at Southfields Veterinary Specialists, click here.