Ultrasound Results

[alimel]

Mel has his ultrasound today and unfortunately it was what we expected. I have the report which reads: Left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction consistant with dilated cardiomyopathy- Arrhythmia-premature beats.

He is on Enalapril so far and he goes in for an EKG tomorrow to identify the premature beats and to determine if antiarrhythmic thearapy is warrented.

The report also says Transmitral E & A waves are within normal limits. A mild amount of pulmonary insufficiency is present. The pulmonary artery is normal size.

Mel is 9 or 10 yrs old, but he is like a 70 yr old heart patient Although you would never know there is anything wrong with him, he is happy and has a great appetite and actually has lots of energy for an old guy. He thinks everyone at the vet is his friend, he is very comfortable with them, which is good since he is spending so much time there lately.

He is going on a special diet and no more runs or long walks for him, he is going to be upset about that.

I am not sure how long he will live with this disease, but I want to do everything I can to keep him as healthy as I can under the circumstances. Does anyone have a dog or has had a dog with this disease and what suggestions can you give me? I love this guy, we have a very special bond and I want to do what ever I can for him.

[Dax]

Poor guy...it sounds like he has the one thing he will need to live with this. Namely, a family that loves him as much as you do.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

My 12 y/o Poodle has cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, a heart murmur, mitral valve problems and tracheal collapse. Oh, and he's deaf and mostly blind.

I changed his diet completely, enlisted the help of a holistic vet who has him on a regimen of various Chinese herbs and homeopathic solutions.

So far, he is doing very well considering. He is still able to take walks, but when he can't I'm going to get one of those doggy strollers for him (he's 4 pounds). He still has fun, plays with his toys and loves to be cuddled. He also eats well.

I don't know how much longer he's got - the vet says he could stay like this for quite a while or go into congestive heart failure tommorow.

I make special alone times for us during the day (I have 2 other dogs). I'm making the most out of whatever time we have left.

We've made a list of his top 10 things he loves to do in life. When that list gets seriously impaired by his health, we'll know it's time to say good-bye. Making this list in advance, when our emotions aren't at a fever pitch, helps ensure we are doing what's in his best interest (monitoring for a seriously compromised quality of life based on MIKO's criteria) vs. our keeping him going too long out of our deep fear of losing him.

I know how hard this is. Lean on us for support. Lots of people here have been through something similar. Keep us posted!!

[alimel]

Deb's Tiny Dogs...your post made me cry! You are just like me...Last night we talked about the exact same thing you mentioned about his favorite things and not letting him suffer. Thank you, it is nice to know someone knows how I feel. I have been considering holistic foods/herbs as I do not like the prescription dog food the vet reccommended.

Is your dog on any medication other than Holistic?

[EmmaGirl]

Originally Posted by Deb's Tiny Dogs

I make special alone times for us during the day (I have 2 other dogs). I'm making the most out of whatever time we have left.

We've made a list of his top 10 things he loves to do in life. When that list gets seriously impaired by his health, we'll know it's time to say good-bye. Making this list in advance, when our emotions aren't at a fever pitch, helps ensure we are doing what's in his best interest (monitoring for a seriously compromised quality of life based on MIKO's criteria) vs. our keeping him going too long out of our deep fear of losing him.

I know how hard this is. Lean on us for support. Lots of people here have been through something similar. Keep us posted!!

I think this is best advice anyone here can give you! Just remember that each day you have with him is a special day. Each moment that he makes you smile...cherish it. We are all here for you.
Love and Regards, EG

[alimel]

Mel had an EKG today which actually was not as bad as they thought it would be. He is now on 3 different meds and he acts like nothing is wrong. I just hope he likes his new prescription food. I bought him prescription biscuits by Royal Canin and he spit them out a me..guess he told me!

We aer just hoping the meds and change of diet will keep this at bay for a little while at least.