Mutts, a blog by John Woestendiek of The Baltimore Sun

he British media reports today that the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra has been credited with saving the life of a 3-year-old border collie with heart problems.

The dog, named Talisker, had developed heart problems after suffering from a lung infection and would lose consciousness when he got excited because his blood could not pump fast enough, the Sun reported, and the Telegraph re-reported.

Vets warned Talisker would die from the condition but suggested as a last resort that his owner give the dog Viagra, as the pill improves blood flow to the heart.

Lesley Strong, a former pub landlady, of Yardley Hastings, Northants, said she was "shocked" by the vet's advice but the little blue pills had given Talisker a "new lease of life." She gave the dog the medicine in his food.

The Telegraph presented the story with the kind of British decorum you might expect, under the headline, "Viagra cures dog's heart condition."

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