houndzrus Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 We've just returned from the vet's again. she says that Spike's got heart problems and did explain what, but I couldn't take it in, so can't remember much of what she said. The fluid build up is part of it, also the general weakness in his back legs, and the reason for him not wanting to go for walks. He's been prescribed diruetics and digitalis, but there were lots of long pauses while she was talking to me and she did say his heartbeat was all over the place. I have to go back next week, or sooner if I'm worried about him. I do try to stay positive, but it's not looking too hopeful for him at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rufus the wonderdog Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 We've just returned from the vet's again. she says that Spike's got heart problems and did explain what, but I couldn't take it in, so can't remember much of what she said. The fluid build up is part of it, also the general weakness in his back legs, and the reason for him not wanting to go for walks. He's been prescribed diruetics and digitalis, but there were lots of long pauses while she was talking to me and she did say his heartbeat was all over the place. I have to go back next week, or sooner if I'm worried about him. I do try to stay positive, but it's not looking too hopeful for him at the moment. Oh Marge for you Gentle squidges for the hansum Spike Will keep sending lots of positive thoughts for all of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mop Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Can you put a picture up of him please so we can send him Reiki? One of mine Joe, was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmour, leaking mitral valve and and enlarged left ventrical a few weeks ago, since he has been on the tablets he is so much better. He will never be the dog he used to be but at least he does have a life now. Once his medication gets balanced he will be much better, with the diruetics if he is coughing more I can increase them a little for just the once and this seems to sort the problem out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted December 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 here he is Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendbert Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Oh Marge! Poor Spike I don't know if you remember Poppy's heart problems, but she was having fluid building up and regularly had fluid drains. Combined with the various drugs, she had another 10 months with me after being diagnosed. She had dilated cardiomyopathy, but not sure if its a similar problem that Spike has Gentle squidges for the handsome boy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted December 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 I must admit that I don't know anything about heart problems, she didn't really give me a lot of hope to be honest, so don't really know what to do about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendbert Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Oh Can you see another vet? Poppy was initially diagnosed with 'heart failure' but the vet explained that it was a term for heart problems and not necessarily as bad as it sounded. Pops then went in and had ultrasound scans to see what was going on and in her case, her heart was underdeveloped and one side was giving up. She did end up on pretty much every heart drug possible, and did have days when she was very lethargic and didn't want to eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houndzrus Posted December 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Oh Can you see another vet? Poppy was initially diagnosed with 'heart failure' but the vet explained that it was a term for heart problems and not necessarily as bad as it sounded. Pops then went in and had ultrasound scans to see what was going on and in her case, her heart was underdeveloped and one side was giving up. She did end up on pretty much every heart drug possible, and did have days when she was very lethargic and didn't want to eat. Thanks Wendy, the vet I saw last night seemed very amenable, I might try to change next week's appointment to see him, although he didn't mention his heart last night The ohter thing is this surgery doesn't have an ultrasound scanner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil_angel Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Good thoughts for lovely Spike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merledogs Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Oh Marge, I am so sorry Sending continued good thoughts for Spike, let's hope the drugs bring it under control Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uke Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Oh Can you see another vet? Poppy was initially diagnosed with 'heart failure' but the vet explained that it was a term for heart problems and not necessarily as bad as it sounded. Pops then went in and had ultrasound scans to see what was going on and in her case, her heart was underdeveloped and one side was giving up. She did end up on pretty much every heart drug possible, and did have days when she was very lethargic and didn't want to eat. Sending lots of get well soon thoughts to Spike Yama Moo has dilated cardiomyopathy too and it's been 2 years since her diagnosis of "heart failure". She's gone from collapsed in the corner of the surgery with a 50/50 chance of making it through the night (that was a dreary November day that I'll never forget) to barely a noticeable sign that she's "ill". I won't lie and say the first couple of months were easy but we've got it under control now. Like Wendberts vet my vet explained at the time that they can only make a best guess at the first visit and further tests are needed to determine the actual problem as well as the severity of it. We were referred to the veterinary hospital for the scans and diagnosis. In Yamas case the build up of fluid was the biggest problem and once we got that (and the infection that followed) under control the dangerous extra strain on her heart was lifted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
incapuppy Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Sending lots of positive thoughts for your darling Spike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemstone Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Poor Spike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacobean Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 Hoping that Spike is soon on medication that helps. Heart problems don't necessarily mean the end is very near Marge so don't lose hope for now. Sending him tons of good thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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