'Swamp People' Star -- Bad Heart Threatens his Career

The most beloved star of the hit reality show "Swamp People" is in danger of missing Season 3 after a serious heart condition almost took his life earlier this year ...

It's not Troy ... or Trapper Joe ... or the badass Guist Brothers -- it's Bruce Mitchell's faithful sidekick Tyler ... the lovable gator hunting dog.

TMZ spoke to a rep for Bruce -- the guy who rocks the overalls and the American flag bandana -- who tells us Tyler was having "heart troubles" back in January ... and had to be rushed to the vet for emergency medical care.

We're told things got so bad "the dog almost died."

Luckily for Tyler, doctors were able to treat the illness ... and he's been resting at home and taking heart meds ever since.

The rep tells us Bruce is unsure if Tyler will be able to join him on the boat next season ... saying Bruce is "hopeful...but still not sure."  Best wishes for Tyler..

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More Swamp News

On Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 12:00 p.m., RJ and Jay Paul Molinere, of Swamp People will be meeting the public at the Stonecrest Mall in Lithonia, in Southeast Metro Atlanta.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Swamp People Cast Members Come to Atlanta - Atlanta Christianity | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christianity-in-atlanta/swamp-people-cast-members-come-to-atlanta#ixzz1SZI0PsPs