Moka, a beloved brown dog living on Maui, needed a pacemaker after veterinarians discovered a rare heart condition that was causing frightening seizures. His family wanted to give him every possible chance, but the treatment was expensive, and getting him to the right hospital meant traveling thousands of miles across the Pacific.
For Geoffrey and Carla Wood, Moka was much more than a pet. He had been part of their family since puppyhood, sharing their home with his brother Meeko. When his health began to deteriorate, they faced the possibility of losing him. But with help from friends, veterinary professionals, and their island community, Moka would eventually return to the activities he loved.
A Beloved Dog Faces a Frightening Diagnosis
Moka joined the Wood family after Carla discovered a nearby litter of puppies advertised on Craigslist. She fell for Meeko, while Geoffrey chose Moka, a brown puppy whose name carried special meaning.
Moka was named partly for his coffee-colored coat and partly for a valley in Trinidad and Tobago that Geoffrey remembered fondly from his school years. The two even shared the same birthday, October 8.
For the first couple of years, Moka enjoyed life with his family. Then, when he was approximately two years old, he experienced a severe seizure that left his family fearing the worst. Initially, the veterinarian suspected exposure to a toxin. But when Moka suffered another episode about a year later, further testing revealed something much more serious.
An echocardiogram showed that Moka had atrial myopathy with persistent atrial standstill, a rare condition affecting the heart’s upper chambers. His heart rate had dropped dangerously low, sometimes reaching only 20 to 30 beats per minute. The condition was preventing his body from receiving adequate blood flow and oxygen, contributing to seizures, vision loss, and episodes of near unconsciousness. Moka needed a pacemaker to help regulate his heartbeat.
An Entire Community Helps Moka Get Treatment
The first estimates for Moka’s procedure on Oahu were approximately $20,000. For Geoffrey and Carla, the cost was overwhelming, and they began worrying that treatment might be beyond their reach. Then members of the Valley Isle Kennel Club stepped forward. They contacted veterinary professionals, explored alternatives, and helped the family find another possibility.
Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman could perform the procedure for less than one-third of the estimated cost on Oahu. Pet insurance would cover most of the expense, while friends, family, and the Woods contributed the remainder.
Getting Moka to Washington was another challenge. Hawaii’s animal travel requirements meant the family needed special permission, and his condition made waiting months impossible.
Carla worked with the state’s agricultural department to obtain a medical exemption. Within six days of his rabies vaccination, Moka was traveling to Portland, Oregon, before continuing by car to Pullman. The flight was especially worrying because Moka had to travel in the aircraft’s hold, separated from his family. Geoffrey and Carla feared how the journey might affect his fragile heart. When they arrived in Portland, Moka emerged from his crate wagging his tail. It was a welcome sight after such an anxious journey.
At the veterinary hospital, a team of five cardiologists worked on his case. Moka successfully underwent the procedure, giving his family renewed hope.
Moka Returns to the Life He Loves
After receiving his pacemaker, Moka still needed regular monitoring from a veterinary cardiologist. His family arranged appointments with Dr. Deborah Fine in Kona, using Mokulele Airlines for interisland travel.
The airline’s lower-altitude flights offered a travel option the Woods considered more suitable for Moka’s medical needs. Carla recalled that he appeared comfortable during the journey, even looking out the window.
The experience also brought unexpected kindness from fellow passengers. On a return flight, people who had heard Moka’s story earlier that day asked about his appointment and shared their own experiences with the family.
Today, Moka is doing remarkably well according to his family’s account. After more than a year away from agility activities, he has returned to climbing and running through obstacles.
His family plans to continue taking him to Kona twice yearly for pacemaker monitoring. With his heart receiving the support it needs, Moka is once again enjoying the active life his family hoped he could have.
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
Toledo, United States.