Devastated - Boxer cardiomyopathy- PLEASE HELP!

[Jen79]

Don't give up...

I'm sorry to hear about Rocky's diagnosis.
My Boomer was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at about 7 years of age. He was prescribed medication (Vetmedin) to help regulate and strengthen his heartbeat. We were initially told that he might live anywhere from 6 months to 2 years and could die suddenly at any time. We managed his condition by limiting his exercise and of course watching him on hot days. He never went into heart failure, but if he had we were told that he would have to be on diruetics in conjunction with the Vetmedin.
He lived for another 3 great years and when he passed it wasn't his heart that took him, but another, totally unrelated disease.

So don't give up, there is hope, and hopefully with medication and proper management you and Rocky will have many more years together.

Good luck.

 

[mai7]

thanks again! holter test question?

Thanks again for all of your helpful comments of support. You have all helped us out so much!!
I do have a question: Where can we get Rockys a holter test done? Is this something that we can get at our vet? Our vets nevr even brought this test up and everthing we are reading is telling us that we need to get this test!
Me and my husband are both questining the vets. We dont know what to do.

 

[msjosi]

Only a "registered" cardiologist can truely dx heart conditions and I would assume that a pet can only get holtered at a speciality office like this. A trained holter tech puts on and sets up the holter and I think the lab companies contract out with these centers. For instance, we took Josi to NC State University where they had cardiologist, oncologist, neurologist, etc. I don't want to alarm you anymore than you are already understandbly are upset, but as much as I like my vet and still go to them, it sounds like you are going through the same thing I did. Because they are not highly trained in specific areas they are not as familiar with tests and proper meds etc. Please try to get Rocky to see a cardio b/c like Josi we thought her life was coming to an abrupt end to turn around with a new leash on life. Yes it is true that a dog with CM can have sudden death, but Josi now is on no meds which was hurting her and she takes a bunch of different supplements which are supposed to strengthen her hurt and we monitor her acitivities. I will be glad to answer any questions that I can on this topic, but what I did was tell my local vet that I wanted a referral asap which most of these places demand so they can determine how quickly they need to see the pet and what tests have already been performed so they don't duplicate. hang in there

 

[msjosi]

Marisa,
I noticed that your title says Pittsburgh. If it is possible and not to far from your home, ask your vet for a referral to The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine which have cardiologists on staff. Or you could look and see if PITT. has a veterinary school as well.

 

[Walkssoftly]

No words...

No words can touch the pain you feel (((((Marisa)))))) Just know that your in my prayers.. Best of luck w/ getting the testing done.. My sister's boxer of 6 yrs just passed with cardiomyopathy.. I just wish you were given more than 3 yrs w/ your precious Rocky..
Please know we care... our hearts are with you..
God Bless,

K~Walkssoftly~
and my white ones.....

 

[JulieM]

I'm sorry for your bad news. :(

There's a difference between Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC, or "Boxer" Cardiomyopathy) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). It sounds as if Rocky has the latter; DCM is diagnosed via echocardiogram, while ARVC is diagnosed via Holter. ARVC does not typically cause changes to the heart that are discernable via echo. If the cardiologist did an echo and diagnosed DCM, then a holter could be done but it wouldn't help with diagnosis, as DCM can cause the same kind of arrhythmias that ARVC causes.

 

[mai7]

Rocky is going to Ohio State on Monday...

What would I do without all of you!

I just wanted to give a little update:

After reading everyone’s post we decided to take Rocky to Ohio State this way a registered cardiologist can check him out. He has an appointment on Monday morning so please keep us in your prayers.

This week has been truly draining for all of us. I hope things are not as bad as the vets in PA have told us.

Hope is the only thing I have when it comes to my Rocky these days.

Thanks again everyone and Ill update more next week!

Have a great weekend!

Marisa

 

[crowpete]

Paws and fingers crossed and wishing you the best on monday...(((HUGS)))

 

[Holden's Mom]

Paws crossed here. Ohio State is the best for boxers. Cardiologist Dr. Kate Meurs is an expert on heart ailments in the boxer breed.

We will await an update early next week. Have a safe trip to Columbus and good luck.

Pam and Pete

 

[harlie'smom]

Paws & Fingers crossed. I hope all goes well. Try to have a good weekend, dont stress too much. I know easier said than done. Hugs to you all.