Hiya clare....just posted a welcome to you on the intro forum...but It's best if I post the reply to your questions here in the correct forum
Unfortunatley Millie is not on any meds for her condition, as there is nothing that can be done to help the condition of her heart, sugical or otherwise.
As I have said her condition was found by our vet, who had never heard a heart like Millie's ever before, she was about 10 weeks old at the time, and he advised me that I should take her back to the breeder, as her life expectancy,was going to be very poor due to the nature of what was wrong...of course I was totally in love with her by then, and wouldn't even think about doing that, so He refered her on to a heart specialist at the R.C.V.S. ....she was seen by one of our top surgeons, (didnt' impress Millie though...she wee'd all over his immaculate suit
) and he kept her in for the whole day as she had to have anaethisia to undergo all the tests reqiured to confirm the diagnosis...oh my God I was like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting to go back and get the prognosis..convinced it would be all bad news. When we finally were able to collect her that evening, The consultant said that even he had never come across a heart 'designed' the way Millies was....It sounds like a rusy old wheel squeeking..He explained it all to us in terms of how a car engine works...'course totally lost on me...but my husband understands!
Anyway, He advised us to treat her as normal as far as exercise is concerned, i.e... let her have unlimited walks on the lead, obviously it is a matter of common sense, we don't let her run hard for too long, becuase we know her heart can't take it...she has had several 'funny' turns getting overexcited...not just on exercise, .... just being Millie (totally mad!!) ...We had to take her to see Him again last year, after she had another 'turn'...and although her condition had not worsened, it had of couse not got any better..it never will...and He said that he did'nt know if she had had a heart attack, or just another faint brought on by her funny heart....basically we were warned that she may just be playing one day, and her heart could fail...and there would be nothing anyone could do.....but she is made of strong stuff, and as I said will be celebrating her 6th bithday this year, she does suffer the occasional 'blackout', or faint but aside from that is doing really well, and is just like any other 'normal' Boxer....(loony!) I love her to bits, and intend that she will live just as long as my last Boxer... 13 and a half years old..If not longer!
Listen to all the advice that your vet gives you on George, take care with his exercise...I'd advise not too much hard running until you are sure of the prognosis....and just love him for who he is,...I am sure he will be with you for a very very long time yet, and you will be posting here on all the mischief he is getting into!
I know its hard for you but stay strong ..I hope Millie's story has given you more hope on a happy outcome, and remember you have the support of everyone here on BW... lots of love from me and Millie...and a special kiss to George!
