A canine cardiac savior?

Being in recovery from cardiac bypass surgery myself, I was very interested to read this report from Australia.

A central Queensland dog which jumped up and down on its owner's chest after the man suffered a massive heart attack may have saved his life.

Teka the three-year-old Australian cattle dog has been given the RSPCA's animal achievement award following the 2007 feat at a glass factory near Bundaberg.

Owner Jim Touzeau's heart stopped and he collapsed unconscious on the factory floor when Teka climbed onto his chest and began to jump repeatedly with all four paws.

The dog also barked in his face, rousing him enough to raise the alarm with his son.

She also ran outside and barked to attract attention.

Medical experts have been unable to say whether the canine CPR had any medical impact but say Mr Touzeau would not be alive today if not for Teka's efforts.

"I don't know if she actually kick-started my heart. But the doctors said that if I hadn't come to and called for help the chances are I would be dead," Mr Touzeau said.

"My heart had definitely stopped."

The 79-year-old glass craftsman also suffered deep cuts when he fell and sliced himself open on plate glass at the his Tinana factory.

He has since been fitted with a defibrillator implant.

. . .

The RSPCA will present the state-based commendation to Teka today and will also nominate her for a Purple Cross - the charity's highest bravery medal.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said Teka had shown incredible intuition.

"This award isn't given away lightly. If she hadn't been there he probably would not have woken up."

There's more at the link. Here's a link to a video report on the pair.

Dog saves master with CPR

Looks like Teka's still in fine form! Congratulations to dog and owner.

Peter