Devastated - Boxer cardiomyopathy- PLEASE HELP!

[mai7]

Hello out there! We have a boxer “Rocky” that just turned 3 in July who is a part of our family; as I’m sure you all have a similar situation We also have an 11 year old daughter who is attached to Rocky unbelievably!
Yesterday when my husband came home from work he fed Rocky as usual, but he didn’t eat much. He was also lying around and did not want to play (not like him at all).
Later that night we noticed that Rocky’s heart was beating VERY VERY fast as if he had just ran a marathon. As the night went on we started to worry.
My husband ended up taking him to the Vet ER and the vet said that he was 98% sure that he has Boxer Cardiomyopathy! The vet explained to my husband that Rocky can suddenly die anytime! He gave Rocky an IV and medication (Sota). We have to give him this medication 2 times a day for now until we have more tests done.
When Rocky came home from the vet last night his heart seemed to be back to normal. He had energy and ate right away.
My husband and I cried the night away. We are both devastated!
We have yet to tell our daughter. I was holding back tears on our way to school today (my heart is breaking for her).
I really don’t know what to do. I can’t even look at Rocky without feeling sick.
If anyone out there can PLEASE give me some advice I would really appreciate it! I need to know that there is hope in our situation.
Thank you so much!

Marisa

 

[Net45582]

I'm sorry. There has been a lot of info posted on this here. Try the search tool and I'm sure you'll find more helpful information. Many Boxers survive many years with proper medications so don't give up!

 

[Biff]

I am so sorry I have no experience or advice to share with you - but I am POSITIVE someone here will be able to answer all your questions.

Just wanted to send you a big (((Hug)))

 

[Doja's Mommy]

Doja and I just wanted to send huge boxer hugs and slobbery kisses for your baby..... your family is in our prayers....

 

[lisasentous]

OMG, our thoughts are with you.
I would also tell your daughter as soon as possible to take things easy with him, as she may try to play too hard with him and as it could make his condition worse, until you know for sure what is wrong with him.

Keep us updated.

 

[sgbtab]

sorry to hear about your baby.:( you need to find a cardioglist to really determine if he does has CM. a holter test needs to be done. it is a 24 hour test they wear. samson has CM and is on solotol. he gets 80mgs a day now. I have to watch him in the heat that is when he streses alot. it is hard when we have a dog with CM but they can live. maybe not as old as a healthy dog but samson does not know he is sick. he does not go to the park and like I said when it is hot is walks are short. please keep us posted. here are some links on CM
http://www.boxerunderground.com/apr_bu_99/dr.htm
http://www.balgownievet.com.au/1_gen_cardiom_canine_boxer.htm
http://www.btca.com/Health/articles/HCdilatedcardio.htm
I hope these help

 

[morrissey11]

Sorry to hear about Rocky, I don't know anything about that condition but I just wanted to send hugs to you and your family and big kisses to Rocky, hang in there. I'm sure you'll get some really good advice here, take care, Kate, Morrissey's mommy.

Morrissey
Loved forever x

 

[mai7]

Rocky continued...

Hello ,thank you ALL so much for the support today!
Rocky saw a cardiologist today and we found out that he has conjunctive heart failure and CM.
We told our daughter and she is actually dealing with it better than us at this point.
The Dr. told us that he has weeks to months to live.
The dog park days along with his walks every night are all over. I just cant believe it!
I feel like I am in a horrible dream and just want to wake up at this point!
This site helps so much.
Thanks again eveyone out there.
Until next time....
Marisa

 

[SILLY6PAK]

Marisa
Such hearbreaking news!!!
I soo understand the feeling of living in a nightmare.
I have read here that itis helpful to takr lots and lots of pictures.
Please know that you, your family and Rocky are in my prayers.

 

[msjosi]

Marisa,
Let me begin by telling you how sorry I am for you and your family about Rocky's dx. My baby was dx with boxer cardiomyopathy a few months ago so I too unfortunately know the helplessness that you must be feeling. SGTAB was very helpful while we were seeing the cardiologist and you could probably look up some of our threads and get some useful info if you like. One thing that worries me about what you said is that no true cardiologist would be able to definitively dx CM without a holter test which takes 24hrs. and then another week or so for the lab to read the results. I don't know anything about heart failure or the test for it, but I would strongly have to question any doctor that states he/she is a cardiologist and doesn't even follow the proper protocal for testing. The reason this worries me evenmore for Rocky and your sanity is b/c initially my local vet dx Josi with CM and put her on Coreg. After seeing the cardiologist at NC STATE and running a batttery of test including the holter, she concluded that Josi was not exhibiting any signs of heart failure yet, so the medicine I was giving her was actually doing harm to her. Please try to hang in there and we are here for you. I will be keeping Rocky in my prayers and Josi says to send him slobbery kisses