Cardiomyopathy

[Indy's mom]

Just got back from the vet.

Indy went to the ER vet last week, his episodes had continued, with 5 of them coming in the past month. These were not the same as the strokes he had experienced in the past. Our regular vet was at a total loss as to what to suggest, could only recommend taking him to the university vet 90 miles away for an MRI. At $2400 the price was prohibitive in my husbands view. As you may imagine this led to many discussions. sigh

DH agreed that it was important that we get to the bottom of this issue, so I took him to the ER last week. This vet didn't think his issue was neurological at all, discouraged the MRI. Hwvr, she did want to do an ECG and keep Indy over night.

Long and short of it, she told us that he is in early stages of cardiomyopathy. He's young and she is very hopeful that he will live a full, healthy life. Cost was still almost $1000 but at least now I have answers. On the down side the med the vet prescribed will cost around $250 a month. She wants him to be on Pimobenden. I am searching internet sites to see if I can find anywhere for a reduced cost. Any other suggestions are very welcome.

No matter what, I'm happy to at last know what is going on with my boy. He's the most amazing dog I've ever lived with and I will do what needs to be done to keep him as healthy, happy as possible. Just looking for lower cost ways to do that if possible.

 

[Althea]

Glad you have answers, even if they aren't the cheeriest. that is a tough situation when you have to put finances against your pet's health. Ugh.

Let us know how your baby is doing!! He is well-loved, no doubt.

 

[darwinsmom]

Did you see a veterinary cardiologist? When Darwin collapsed and I took him to the ER, the doctor told me his x-rays showed an enlarged heart suggestive of dilated cardiomyopathy. But when we went to the cardiologist for an ultrasound, she saw no enlargement and the ultrasound (echocardiogram) showed heart function (pumping efficiency) was within normal limits. However, he did show premature ventricular contractions and we did get a Holter and boxer cardiomyopathy was diagnosed (arrhythmias but no thinning and stretching of the heart muscle). I would urge you to see a specialist. The drugs used to treat are different.

Also, was he diagnosed with congestive heart failure? Pimobenden/Vetmedin is usually prescribed for that condition or for dilated cardiomyopathy. Check out some online pet pharmacies, I don't know his dosage but I bet you can get it for less. Drsfostersmith.com has 50 5-mg tabs for $60.

Best wishes to Indy.

-Karlyn

 

[Cami]

If there was any possible way for us to exchange info I would gladly send you the Pimobendan that Cami was prescribed.
I will also say that it seems quite ODD that it was prescribed for an early stage of cardiomyopathy. There are many other options that get chosen FIRST.
I've never mentioned it before but we think it was the cause of Cami's quick downturn. Of course I have no proof of this and I have read in-depth info about it being a God send for patients in congestive heart FAILURE.
The problem with Cami was that she was NOT in congestive heart failure when prescribed. It allows the heart to not have to work as hard and upon doing so Cami's heart wasn't working enough to move the fluids away....hence the congestive heart failure coming into play. In theory I realize that they were trying to keep the heart from working as hard to support the decreased function.....but still....hubby is so adamant that it "caused her death" that he wanted it thrown out ASAP but I wanted it to go to another dog in the hopes it could help. It was also the only med that she originally would take without hiding it in something as it was beef flavored.....until the last day of her life when she REFUSED to take it. Hubby swears that she knew it was making her worse. We will never know.
With heart meds I will say this......RESEARCH everything they prescribe 2000% and then some. Ask more questions than you think you need to and be totally sure that the info is coming from a vet you trust. It is your baby's life after all.

All my best to you and Indy and please know that I am not trying to scare you about this medication. I am far from an expert and have no medical training. This is just a little too close to my heart to not say anything. We can't learn if we don't share experiences.

 

[cantfindlog]

Sandy, I am so sorry Indy has this problem. I know nothing about heart issues so I have nothing on that end. As Karlyn asked, did you see a veterinary cardiologist? I think there is one at the Animal Emergency on Silver Spring and there is a cardio vet at Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center in Waukesha. We sure do have some fine facilities in and around Milwaukee so you should have choices if you need a second opinion.

Hope everything will be fine, keep us updated.

 

[Indy's mom]

I can't thank you enough for the important and extremely valuable information.

I spent most of the evening researching this drug, still feel as though I know almost nothing. However, the cautionary information that some of you shared, tells me to trust my gut. I will keep pushing for more information.

I don't know enough, that is now very, very clear. Indy was in last week for his ECG, they kept him for 36 hours. At that time they prescribed med for an irregular heart beat. She told me she suspected early stage cardiomyopathy. Yesterday he was in for his recheck and that's when she confirmed her diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.

Clearly it's time to seek out a cardiac specialist in the area. That's what I will do asap.

Your input is very helpful and much appreciated. I will not be ordering the med from anyone until I do some more follow-up. Please know I do NOT feel the least bit panicked by receiving your stories, but it does help me to realize how truly ignorant I still am. I fully realize that each dog is an individual and that none of us can know what is happening in the lives of each others dogs.

Because of this, I truly appreciate hearing your stories and experiences. I will do my part to follow up with the best vet advice I can find in my area.

In the meantime, I will continue to give Indy Reiki each and every day. He actually requests it on a regular basis. I know it helps him and it gives us a regular opportunity to bond.

Thank you once again, you good thoughts and generosity in sharing your experiences is much appreciated.

Namaste,
Sandy

 

[RubyDoo]

Episodes?

May I ask what kind of episodes that Indy's having? We think our Ruby had Cardiomyopithy, but not sure.

 

[Indy's mom]

RubyDoo, in the past year Indy has experienced 2 episodes which looked like strokes. He experienced severe weakness on only one side of his body, head 'tilted', extremely poor balance. It took several months to recover from the 1st, the 2nd was just before Thanksgiving, he was pretty much recovered by end of January.

Recently, he began having different episodes. I never saw them happen, but would see the aftermath. Weakness (not particular to only one side, general weakness), poor balance, would quiver as though nervous. He had 5 of these in March. The vet felt that an irregular heartbeat was likely making him loose consciousness briefly, leaving him weak, possibly dizzy and certainly confused.

She also felt that the same condition most likely caused the strokes.