Big Paws Only Dog Forums
BPO Medical Forum => Medical Conditions & Diseases => : jesday February 11, 2009, 05:01:18 AM
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I took Chili to vet yesterday just for a nail trim and to check his eyes. His judgment has been way off as far an going up stairs etc. He misses quite often. As suspected he does have some cataracts. No big deal, he is 14yrs old and not much to do about them anyway at this age.
What I didn't expect was his heart murmur to go from a 4 1/2 to grade 6 in 7 months! We added Lasix to his medications and there are more meds to try as we go along. But what I didn't ask was his life expectancy with this.
I've always kidded about being in denial that Chili will ever die. Now I believe I really am in denial. I can't imagine him not being with us.
This is what I really want to know but too upset to call the vet right now.
How does a bub die of this? I know about fluids and heart enlargement, but how do they actually die? Horrible coughing spasms, suffocation, drowning in own fluids? Or does the heart ever just stop beating and they go peacfully in their sleep? Are we still talking years or months? How will I know what to do for my guy?
Anyone had experience with this to the end? :'(
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I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. :'( Can I ask if your vet is a cardiologist or a general vet? The reason I ask is because we have a 16-year-old Silver Persian kitty who was diagnosed with a pretty severe heart murmur by our regular vet. We were, of course, devastated. We decided to take him to a cardiac specialist. It turned out not to be as severe as originally thought, and he's doing pretty well for his age. I hope that this is the case for your pup.
I'm not a vet, but our mini-schnauzer died of heart disease. He passed peacefully in his sleep. He didn't suffer at all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Our 14-year old Paillion has an enlarged heart. She had a heart attack, which is what alerted us to the problem. She was supposed to be on Lasiks too, but can't keep them down. Her first heart attack was last Feb. (so about a year ago), and she was given just a month or so to live. She is still here, but has little heart attacks once and a while, if she gets too excited, and is started to get a little 'lost' at times (forgets where she is, etc.) however, she is always happy, eats like a champ, takes her naps in her fave spots, greets me at the door, etc. She could pass away from a heart attack (I hope not) or we just need to watch her and kind of determine when we think she's ready for us to let her go. It's so hard. She's my heart dog!
I'll keep Chilli in my prayers. Sorry my experience is a bit gloom and doom!
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Poor Chilli :'( I sure hope he gets to stay with you for a long time. We'll keep him in our prayers.
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Oh Elizabeth - I'm so sorry to hear this! The few dogs that I knew with heart problems had enlarged hearts so I'm no help. Hugs to you and your pack!
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Thank you all for your kind words and support. I had a more frank talk with my vet and learned there are ways to manage him as he progresses. I asked if we were talking in terms of months or years as far as life expectancy and about all she could really say was probably not years.
The main thing is to keep him comfortable. Now that I know what to watch for so we can treat as needed I feel better that it won't be horrible for him.
Today he is his usual perky self so I will go back into denial house and hang out for awhile. ;) At least until 1:00 this afternoon when I have to see the accountant for tax time. :D
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I am so sad to hear about Chili.
Debbie and Luke