Chip, I too will be sending healthy, healing thoughts your way! Rose sounds like a strong dog in mind and "heart" which will certainly help her through this. Do keep us in the loop.
I also want to take the opportunity to say we simply don't pay Connie enough... She may not be a health professional with the paper degree on the wall, but her wealth of knowledge on SO MANY subjects never ceases to amaze me.
The U/S will be helpful to determine why her heart is enlarged. My 11 y/o Border Collie has a scared mitral valve which was discovered due to a significant heart murmur 2 years ago. It can/will eventually lead to enlargement and CHF. The vet was unsure as to what had caused the scarring in her case.
She is on enalapril currently which was prescribed after her U/S last year showed that her heart had started to enlarge. But the good news was this year when she went back for her yearly U/S it showed no significant change from last year. So in her case for now the meds are really helping. She is still able to lead a pretty normal, active life for an 11 y/o BC.
FWIW, some of the heart meds prescribed for dogs are on discount drug lists at places like Wal-Mart. I get my dogs meds for $10/90 day supply.
Is there a vet school any where near you? Sometimes you get more "bang" for your buck there, they will keep taking films and ultrasounding until they have a diagnosis, and if there are any questions a senior staff veterinarian is always right down the hall, no extra charges for the input of multiple minds on the problem.
Heart things are scary, you have my best wishes.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
The "ultrasound" that's used for the diagnosis of CHF is called an M-mode 2D echocardiogram ( at least that's the "gold standard" ). It allows the vet to see the flow of blood through all the chambers and they can view the status of the valves, etc., along with the thickness of the heart chamber walls.
Lisa skinner Webboard User Reg: 03-11-2010
Posts: 515
Loc: Dallas,TX USA
Offline
You have my deepest sympathies. I had a Gt Dane with cardiomyopathy so I understand the fear you are facing. Poor little Rose, she must be so unhappy. I think the puzzle toy sounds like a great idea.
I don't know if it'll help at all or not, but for fun shredding toys for my parrots, I place treats into cardboard boxes. They get to shred those to their hearts' content and forage for food. Keeps their minds (and their HUGE beaks busy). Maybe Rose would enjoy shredding treat filled boxes sometimes. Maybe if nothing else, to blow off some steam. Shredded boxes sweep/rake up fairly easily.
Best wishes to you both.
Chip Bridges Webboard User Reg: 03-29-2009
Posts: 280
Loc: Western North Carolina
Offline
Thanks, everyone for your thoughts. Connie, I always have high expectations, and you always over-deliver! Mara, I thank you especially for giving me some hope. And Betty, she's tested heartworm negative in the spring and (for once), I've kept her on those meds.
Some people don't do heartworm medication because they don't like side effects that they see. Heartworm causes right heart enlargement, so that's why I asked.
If your Rose is still full of beans it's a really good sign. Dogs with major organ failure tend to be depressed even if they are dogs with a lot of spunk.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Re: Rose has an enlarged heart
Top
Re: Rose has an enlarged heart
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
