On Mar. 3, 2025, researchers from Oregon State University (OSU) announced the world’s first procedure successfully fixes lamb’s leaky heart. The lamb, named Squirt, was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a condition where a blood vessel fails to close after birth.

OSU surgeons Dr. Kate Scollan, board-certified cardiologist, and cardiology resident Dr. Charlotte Donnan experienced with fixing PDAs in dogs, working with large animal medicine specialist Dr. Kelly Sears and team, decided to perform the same procedure to fix Squirt’s heart.

This procedure has never been reported in a lamb before, likely making it a world first!