Author Topic: Max has SAS  (Read 4859 times)

mjjensen

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Max has SAS
« on: January 19, 2006, 07:13:46 pm »
 I guess I should preface this by saying that Max was found to have a heart murmur when he was about ten weeks old which I was told is not all that uncommom in puppies and will often go away as they mature. He's been checked three times since then (no improvement but no progression either) and it was planned to have him checked again this month and if there was still no improvement he was going to be looked at by a cardiac specialist to see if anything could be done to improve or at least stabilize his condition.
 Anyway,I had to take Max to the vet yesterday because he was acting like he had something caught in his throat. He'd been gnawing on a raw beef bone when he started hacking and even though it didn't look like there were any pieces missing from the bone I figured it was best to have him checked out. While he was being x-rayed to determine if there were anything lodged in his throat the vet also did an x-ray of his chest and found that his heart is seriously enlarged. So now he's scheduled for a cardiac ultrasound next Wed. to see if there is anything that can be done. The vet gave me some information on SAS and I've spent the last 24 hours reading everything I could find on the subject and it all seems to point to the fact that there's a good chance that Max is going to have a very short life. And that makes me very sad, not just for Max but also for his brother Sam. The longest they have ever been apart was the half hour that Max was at the vets yesterday. They sleep together,eat together,play together. Even at the dog park when they're playing with other dogs they are constantly looking to see where the other is. I'm really afraid of what might happen to Sam if anything happens to Max.
  It's going to be hard waiting six days to get some answers! 
   

Offline coonie1970

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2006, 07:27:26 pm »
Im so sorry that you have gotten such bad news. Try to stay positive.Maybe there will be something the vets can do for him.
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Offline DixieSugarBear

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2006, 07:31:19 pm »
I am so very sorry.  You have our prayers and best wishes. 

Lisa
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Offline 2dobies

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2006, 07:43:00 pm »
Your post makes me very sad.  But it makes me realize that I need to have Darmok checked out for heart conditions that I may not be aware of.  She is a big, heavy-built dobe, and has a massive barrel chest.  The other day she was doing the semi-cough, more like a hacking that you describe, and my wife and I both thought that she had something stuck in her throat, but she didnt.  It scares me.  How old is Max? Dar just turned 3 this past December. I will pray for Max.  I say a prayer at night for all the dogs that I know and the ones out there that need help that I dont know, too. Hopefully, your news will be better than you're expecting it to be.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2006, 07:43:59 pm by 2dobies »
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Offline Jessdryden

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2006, 08:17:22 pm »
I'm so very sorry to hear about your bad news.  You and Sam and Max will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Offline Nina

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2006, 08:45:49 pm »
I am so sorry to hear about Max, have you thought of alternative medicine for him. I have recently switched to a Holistic vet ( they also use conventional medicine when needed) but they have told me stories of people going to see them as a last hope. Where they been told that there beloved dog or cat only has months to live. And in a lot of cases the conditon is not cured but managed and some are still here 4 years later and doing well. From what you've said you've been doing lots of research, maybe it would be something to consider researching as well. Good luck, and I hope you hear some good news on Wednesday.


Nina 
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k2campbell

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2006, 09:06:14 pm »
I am so sorry to hear of Max's recent diagnosis.  I really hope that something can be done to help him.  As per Nina's suggestion, Hollistic medicine could be an option should your vet not be able to help.  My friend has an 11 year old female Rotti that was diagnosed with severe Cushings disease two years ago.  The vet said she had approx 6 mnths to live.  So, she went to a Hollistic clinic, they gave her herb medicine (and) she's still around - doing just great!

I will be keeping you, Max and Sam in my thoughts and praying for you.  Please let us know how it goes.  We are rooting for Max!  ;)

Yaz

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2006, 09:41:51 pm »
You must be feeling devestated and worried. It is heartbreaking to receive new like that and feel so helpless. My heart goes out to you.

Offline Sami142

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2006, 12:51:24 am »
We're sorry to hear the news about Max.  We'll be praying that everything turns out for the best.
Sami, Jinx, and Rookie
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mjjensen

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2006, 12:36:41 pm »
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and helpful suggestions. It honestly means a lot to talk to people that really understand. The more I've read about SAS the more upset I've gotten but I know I need to keep a positive attitude. The pups have really picked up on my mood the last few days and they've been pretty mopey so today we're going to go out and have some fun and just hope for the best on Wed. Thanks again!

k2campbell

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2006, 04:00:09 pm »
You go have a fun day with Max & Sam, try to keep yourself (and the pups) busy to keep your mind off it.  We're all thinking and praying for you - make sure you let us know how it goes on Wednesday.

Take care  ;)

Kiahpyr

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2006, 04:37:58 pm »
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm sending positive thoughts to your family that Max will be alright. Hang in there little guy and mommy too!

Offline Fumble

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2006, 08:24:45 am »
ooh i am soo sorry about your new findings about max.  i will be sure to include you and max in my prayers. 
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Offline aggghgmom

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2006, 03:10:31 pm »
We too are very sorry to hear about Max and hope and pray that something can be done to keep every one healthy and happy and playing together for years to come!!

Hope you are out enjoying the day!!

Randy & Harley

Offline longshadowfarms

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Re: Max has SAS
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2006, 05:09:15 pm »
I'm so sorry!  They are absolutely adorable pups.  I do hope that this turns out better than you fear and I will definitely pray for you and him.  I do believe God is concerned with every little thing that concerns us and He knows how much we love our pups. 
Daphne