so many problems...

[sasha's momm]

My baby has been acting a bit off for a few weeks...dry nose, vomitting, gulping air, lethargic. I took her to the vet today and they detected a heart arythmia (spelling) and thought maybe she has inflammatory bowel disease. They did a blood panel and her heart issue didn't show up so I have to schedule an EKG and the blood work will be in tomorrow. What an you tell me about IBD and myocardiopathy (spelling)?

My vet said she was concerned about the 'murmur' she heard b/c I have a boxer and they are prone to myocardiopathy.

Thanks for any info you can give me! I hate that she's sick and just want her to feel better

 

[Sugar Ray's Mom]

We have been getting an EKG each year since Sugar's heart mummer was discovered around age 3. Finally at 6 years old the test came back with the nasty spikes of arythmia. Since then we Holter monitored her (24 hour EKG) and started her on human beta blockers (Solital). Last week she had a perfect EKG. Whatever you do, do not lose hope or stop looking for the right Vet to get this very serious heart condition under control. There is some very good info on line about boxer cardiomyopathy, of course, I started out by searching the health forums on Boxerworld!!!

 

[mybubbieroo]

So sorry!

I am sorry I don't have any information about this condition for you. Just wanted to say I hope Sasha gets to feeling better soon, and that her problems can be treated. Sending lots of healing thoughts her way!

 

[sasha's momm]

update

The vet called today and her blood and urine looked good. The only thing that showed up was her white cell counts were high which could mean she has a food allergy and her T4 was a bit low. So at least she doesn't have a severe stomach issue I'm making an appt to have the EKG next week and we'll see how that goes!
Thanks for the support.

 

[catcrazy56]

Sending positive vibes))))))))) your way

 

[Gruntsmom]

Hope your baby will soon be feeling much better and that tests come through with positive results. It is always so upsetting and a huge worry when our little ones aren't well. Take care.

 

[Boxer Babies]

I just caught your post and wanted to say I know how your feeling.

My boy has had numerous stomach issues over teh last three months, and touch wood we seem to be on the right track now.

he also has a heart condition called Aoritc Stenosis and is treated with human drugs.

Although any heart condition is serious, let yourself get over the initial shock. i know when I first found out about Thais problem I was devestated. Every time I looked at him Id cry, but it does get easier when you realise it does not have to be a death sentence (sorry to be blunt). With proper management and treatment your baby can have a good quality life.

We all sending you lots of Boxer slobbers, please keep us updated.

 

[ELubas]

Just curious... Did they detect the arrthymia just by listening or did they just hear the murmur? I have a boy with SAS and BCM and he is going strong so I agree with Boxer Babies-they can have a great quality of life! SAS and BCM are terribly common in boxers and are inherited so it is worth reading up here on these conditions so you can understand what the vets may tell you. There are also a lot of nutritional steps that can bolster circulation, etc. that really give these dogs a leg up. There is great "food" advice on this site too. Good luck and I will think good thoughts for you and your pup

 

[sasha's momm]

They heard an arythmia while listening to her heart so I have to schedule an EKG next week. She's just not herself which is sad to see...she plays b/c she wants us to be happy but then she'll flop down and be exhausted. We just cuddle with her bunches so she doesn't feel like she has to play. We'll know more next week.

Thanks for the slobbers and puppy kisses!

 

[ELubas]

Poor pup-just wants to get back to being a pup! If they actually heard the arrythmia then she was likely having a "run" when the heart experiences abnormal groups of beats. These are usually picked up in a 24 hour holter mentioned above. I do not usually do this but I would suggest you curtail strenuous activity-if she is even so inclined-until you can catch this cardiac activity on an EKG or holter. While very treatable BCM in particular is a tricky disease and if she is having regular runs her activity should be modifed until you get her on the proper meds. Having said that the best thing is that she is symptomatic as it gives you an opportunity to treat her. I have dealt with this with two of my boxer babies and sadly lost one because she was asymptomatic as this disease so often is. Losing Ailis broke my heart so I tend to be a little manic about heart irregularities in boxers-please forgive me-and I will be thinking good thoughts for your pup and you-boxer wiggles from mine to yours