somethings not right ... i'm in tears

[Baby Bella]

I am so so sorry to hear about Asia. I say this with tears in my eyes because like you, I run and hug Bella all the time telling her how happy I am she is healthy. Your baby is so young, and I hope and pray that the vet is wrong and it is something minor. We will send you all the ((((((positive and healing vibes)))))) that we can find. (((Hugs))) to you during this hard time. Bella sends Asia all of her lovin and some smooches. You will be in our thoughts and prayers and please keep us posted on Asia.

 

[Doja's Mommy]

Oh Sweetie, I am sooo sorry to hear that. I really feel for you, I wish I could reach out to you and give you a big hug and a shoulder to cry on.

Since I have no experience with DCM, but am familiar with the 'if's' and maybe's........ I can tell you, don't wait. Make sure they get you in ASAP. What is the name of the place you are taking her too? Have you thought about taking her to A&M? I don't know how far you are from College Station...... But apparantly, they have two cardiology specialists there who have been there for many many years.

I know you haven't had much time to think about this yet.

 

[Albie]

I am so sorry for you and your baby Asia. I know this is so overwhelming for you right now. Unfortunately, I have experience with this disease since my Belle had dilated cardiomyopathy. I would urge you to consult with a cardiologist for a treatment plan and confirmation that this is what Asia really has (since the vet says he is 85% sure). Did your vet do an ECG? Did he perform an echocardiogram? If not, I believe these tests really need to be performed for a definite diagnosis. Is Asia experiencing congestive heart failure? Is there fluid on her lungs? Is she having breathing troubles? Does she have an arrhythmia? Is the vet sending her home with medications, or do you wait until you consult with a cardiologist? How is Asia right now? Is she back to normal since the episode or is she still experiencing symptoms? Sorry for all of the questions, but these are things I would want to ask the vet. There are many medications and supplements to help dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. Belle was on enalapril (for blood pressure), lasix (for fluid in her lungs), sota (for the arrhythmia) and digoxin (to help the heart pump more efficiently). We also gave Belle L-carnitine, taurine and CoQ10. We were told that dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy usually survive for 6 months to two years after onset of the disease. Belle was severely affected, and we only had her for three months after diagnosis. She developed a blood clot in her heart and an agressive arrhythmia that could not be converted. However, I belong to several YahooGroups where dogs with DCM have survived well beyond the initial prognosis and still have a great quality of life. Please hang in there and be strong for Asia. A holistic vet we took Belle to told me that the body has an amazing power to heal itself. I truly believe this statement. Asia will show everyone just how strong she is. (((Hugs)))

 

[Jan]

I am so sorry that you got such bad news. At least now you know what you are dealing with. Boxers can live a long time with dilated cardiomyopathy. I am sending positive healing vibes your way.

 

[haleyandmark]

Thank you all so much for all your replies.

I just called the Animal Diagnostic Clinic and they can't help with anything because technically Asia is still a puppy. Sooo, the Doctor's are referring us to other places and will call tomorrow with results. I mentioned Texas A&M and have been there before with another dog of mine (when I was in junior high), so I am familiar with it.

This is so hard. Mark and I have been sitting here all day crying just looking at and holding Asia.

She lives for playing with Josie and romping through the water and now she can't do any of that.

I am thankful that we found it soon enough instead of her just leaving us one day. I just wish we wouldn't have to deal with this at all.

Albie, those are good questions. I have some answers to some of them. I have to go to work now but will post again when I get home around 8.

Again, thanks everyone ... We're going to be needing ya'll ... :(

 

[Layla's Mom]

I am so sorry about the news you received. I hope with further testing that they find it is something different. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please give Asia lots of hugs and kisses.

 

[Holden's Mom]

I'm so sorry to hear the news that it is a heart problem. Did the Xrays show fluid around the heart? If so, they usually refer to this as congestive heart failure, and a shot or oral lasix usually helps immediately.

The cardiiologist will be able to answer any quetions you may have. They are not always correct on the lifespan of pets dealing with heart problems. My cat Lewis, diagnosed with an enlarged heart at the age of 10 years, was given 6 months to live. Lewis and I had other plans, and he lived to be 16+ years. And he was not a real healthy cat before the onset of heart problems.

Enjoy your pretty girl everyday. Love really is good medicine.

Pam and Pete

 

[Indy B's Mom]

I'm sorry to hear it wasn't good news. I will say a prayer for you tonight and am sending lots of positive vibes.

 

[Murp.mm]

Sending lots of healing vibes and good wishes from Ali, Bailey & me. Hope everything turns out OK. Keep us posted.

 

[1FlashyFan]

Haley, I'm holding onto hope and will be thinking of Asia and sending lots of positive vibes.