Stumped the Cardio Specialist

[Kalliegirl]

So my 11 month old girl kallie has been having spells where she faints when she does her burn outs in the back yard. We have been through chest x-rays, ecg's, ultrasounds, and a holter, everything points to her being perfectly healthy. Of course we know she is not. The cardio vet is very suprised to see my girl with these symptoms at such a young age. She doesn't have a heart murmur either. She has no other symptoms and seems fine, until she passes out and her gums turn white. Within a few seconds she is back up and at 'em, she stays moving slow for about 15 min or less, then she is normal. I am at my wits end trying to find out whats wrong with my baby. Has anyone been in my shoes? Or have had pup's with similar symptoms?

 

[Kalliegirl]

Yes we have been through that also, she looks healthy as can be. I am just scared to let her run like she does for fear that if she passes out she wont get back up.

 

[simmons]

I am so sorry, I don't have any advice for you :( Kallie is so young too....not even a year old and she's already having problems. Have you though about getting a 2nd vet to look at her? I think it would be worth someone else's opinion.

Sending ((((((positive vibes)))) your way. Give sweet Kallie extra hugs and smooches from me!! Hopefully someone else has advice for you.

Please keep us updated.

 

[JulieM]

Have you considered a 7-day Holter? Readings can vary as much as 80% from day to day; a week-long Holter will give a more thorough picture of what's going on, and if she has an episode while she's wearing it you'd be able to have precise information on what was happening at the time. They make digital Holters now that are about the size of a pager, so would be much less bothersome for the dog to wear for a week.

It could be something like hookworms or hypoglycemia, but the fact that it happens while she's running does sound more like heart. I'd suggest a full thyroid panel as well, if you haven't done that already.

 

[ELubas]

They have ruled out epilepsy? Around here you can do an event monitor they wear for a month... Best of luck to your sweet girl

 

[GoCougs]

I see you are from Washington, but I don't which part. Have you attempted to contact the WSU Vet School is Pullman? There is a vet there who has made boxer cardiomyopathy her primary focus of research for a good number of years now. Many within the breed respect her as one of, if not the, authority on the subject of BCM. They may be able to help you set up a comprehensive set of tests to have done so you can get some answers.

This definitely sounds like a heart issue.

 

[Kalliegirl]

yes i am from washington but I am over on the coast. I did however look into WSU's center

 

[boxersrbest]

If the heart tests come back normal, I would suggest you have the spleen examined. A tumour on the spleen can absorb the dog's red blood cells resulting in weakness and pale gums.