Cardiologist needed in the Pittsburgh area

[iloveboxers2]

Two weeks ago we adopted a beautiful 5 month old baby boy. His neutering was scheduled for this past Friday. When we dropped him off I asked the vet to check his lungs because he had a cough -- especially noticable when he was running with his 15 month old brother. Unfortunately, his vet called and said that his surgery couldn't be performed because he heard a heart murmur. He did an x-ray and saw a "shadow" on the right side. The vet recommended that we have an echocardiogram. I would appreciate it if someone could recommend a cardiologist in the Pittsburgh area with expertise with boxer hearts. Thank you for any recommendations.

 

[mai7]

Hello there, so sorry to hear about your baby. Our 3 year old boxer Rocky was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure last week. We were also looking for a cardiologist in the Pgh area, but were told that Pgh does not have any that were registered. Since Rocky needs extensive care we are taking him to Ohio State on Monday. Rocky did have an echo done at the vet this past week, but after reading many reviews on here concerning cardiomyopathy, we decided to take him to Ohio State.
I wish you much luck with your baby boy. I am sure you will be able to get everything you need here in Pgh, if not, Ohio State is suppose to be the best place.
You are all in my prayers.
Marisa

 

[weschel]

So sorry to hear about your baby! I am from the Pittsburgh area as well (South Hills area) I had my Boxer (Max) at OSU last week for a hypercalcemia workup... They are very friendly and do go the extra mile. I would opt for there if you can take the time off to go. It takes about 3 hours to get there and they do let you know up front step-by-step what it is going to cost. I would recommend going there as they have every specialist imaginable on-site, as well as state of the art equipment. Our thoughts will be with you...

 

[boxers4life2001]

I agree with the others as far as OSU for a cardiologist. There are no board certified cardiologists in the area however, there internists who can do an echo (but they are not cardiologists) I actually had an internist who did an echo on Chance who ended up diagnosing him him with a heart tumor. OSU would be your best bet if you want a board certified cardiologist.

Good luck with your baby, I hope everything checks out ok for him!!!!

 

[iloveboxers2]

Thank you so much for your recommendation. Ohio state isn't that far to go for the best care. In the meantime, do you think the internist in the area did a good job or should I go directly to Ohio State?

Thanks again. I'll keep you posted on what we find out.

 

[boxers4life2001]

With my situation, the internist was as far as we needed to go because unfortunalty there was NOTHING that could be done for my baby boy. We actually had an appt to take Chance to OSU to see a cardiologist because we were kinda leaning towards boxer cardiomyopathy. However the animal hospital I work at has an internist there and she did an echo to "rule out" a tumor before we drove all the way to OSU. Well she confirmed my worst fear; Chance did have a tumor, the size of a baseball, on his heart.

So, I do think that ultimatly a board certified cardiologist would be my first choice, the internist would be my second esp if OSU cannot see you for awhile or if you could not make the drive.

 

[iloveboxers2]

I am so sorry about Chance. I know how your heart had to hurt.

We were able to get an appointment for tomorrow to see a cardiologist at OSU. I was very surprised that they were able to fit us in. I appreciate everyone's advice regarding OSU. At least now there won't be any second guessing.

As far as the echocardiogram, could you please tell me what is involved?

Thank you again.

 

[boxers4life2001]

With the echo, they will shave a spot on your baby's side near the armpit. It is basically just like an ulltrasound that would be performed on your belly but instead it is on the heart. It is not painful or anything like that. With the ultrasound machine they have there they will be able to tell how the blood is flowing, beating, take measurements, etc. They should be able to give you answers right after it is done.

Good luck tomorrow and let us know how it went, your little baby will be in my thoughts!!!

 

[iloveboxers2]

Great news -- my baby is fine. Although it was confirmed that he has a heart murmur, the doctor assured us that he can have a normal, happy life. I appreciate everyone's help.

 

[atlasmom911]

Great news!! Give your baby a big kiss for me....Linda