Trying not to panic....

[K8IE]

Hi all, just wanted to come here for some reassurance and to get this out. I am pretty stressed. Cooper was 9 weeks old yesterday. When we got him from the breeder we were notified that he had a mild (grade 1-2) heart murmur. We decided that we would still bring him home (after all, we had driven all the way to Chicago to get him, she did not tell us about the murmur until we got there) as we knew that a lot of times they go away on their own. Our vet also confirmed it as a grade 1-2 and said we would just monitor it and see how it goes. Well, last night he collapsed while outside playing. He vomited a small amount first, his little legs gave out (I was right there to catch him though), and he just layed still for maybe 25-30 seconds. I don't think he lost consciousness. He perked up quickly and has been fine ever since, eating, drinking, playing, etc. I did a search here though and am feeling very scared because I know that this could be a serious heart issue that is causing the murmur. I am waiting to hear back from the vet, I left a message this AM. He came from a breeder who does all health testing, shows her dogs, etc. I have proof of all of this, and now I feel like even though I went through a lot to do the right thing, I may still have an unhealthy pup. Her solution in the contract would be to replace my pup, but I don't want him replaced, I want him to be OK! I am so worried that we will end up going to the cardiologist only to have our worst fears confirmed. I bought this pup with the understanding that he would be healthy, and now I am already looking at spending God knows what to diagnose what may be wrong... I am sorry this is long, just please say a prayer that things will work out. We already love this little guy so much. Thanks.

 

[Biff]

I am so sorry you are having all this worry, but please try not top panic, or imagine the worst case scenario until you hear back from your vet.

I am hoping and praying his little incident had nothing to do with his heart murmur.

I know what you mean when you say you don't want him replaced, you just want him to be healthy

((((Healing Vibes)))) for Cooper, and destressing (((positive vibes)))) for you

Keep us posted

 

[x19er]

On no, what a worry for you. Our first boxer boy had a low grade heart murmur too - same as yourself we researched the breeder and thought we asked all the right questions etc. Our breeder also offered to take him back - but you fall in love with them so quickly, so of course he stayed with us. Luckily he never had any trouble with it and lived a long happy life. I shall be keeping all fingers crossed here that this will be the case for you too - let us know how you go with the vet.

 

[crowpete]

Positive vibes your way... I am sorry your and your baby are going through this. Keep your head up and we are all hoping for the best... HUGS

 

[ELubas]

Murmurs are so common in boxers but the collapse is concerning. It has been my experience that despite best efforts these heart troubles are so entrenched in the breed that testing only tells so much. Though many breeders are far more conscientious about their testing protocols now there are still a number of dogs that were bred whose lines are still producing puppies with problems. It will take years (or a genetic marker) to drive heart disease out of this breed. I think all boxers need to be evaluated by a cardiologist anyway regardless. Caught early there is so much that can be done to give them a really good quality of life. My boy has SAS and is doing great on meds and after the initial tests, etc. the maintenance now in meds is really not bad financially. He does need a yearly holter and echo but it is a small price to pay for peace of mind. I lost a girl young to BCM sudden death-no warning-so prevention and diagnosis is everything to me. My one year old, though clear of disease at this point, also has a murmur and has been echoed-so I am three for three. I will think good thoughts for you and remember a lot of us here know exactly what you are going through. Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[lisasentous]

It is very hard trying not to panic.

When we first got Bruno he did not want to play or walk (he was fine while he was at the breeder- strange ?) anyway we took him to 2 different vets to get opinions and both came up with the same conclusion - he had a heart defect. At the time my son was 3 and my daughter 8 - they wanted a puppy that would play and we wanted a dog that would grow up with them. I know that he could have lived a long life but my hubby & myself decided to take Bruno back. I was hard but we only had him for 2 weeks, and yes we did fall in love with him but it was better sooner rather than later.

I do hope that the results are okay. Fingers & paws crossed for you.

 

[WeasleRocky]

We will definatley hold you close to our heart and say prayers for you and baby Cooper... C'mon lil fella, pull thru this and get better!!!!!! we're countin on ya... your skin family loves ya very much and so do we your extended skin family

keep us posted on his progress please...!!!

 

[Austin's Mom]

I would be freaking out, too. Sending lots of prayers that you new baby is just fine.

 

[Ronin1]

I am so very sorry to hear about your baby Cooper :( When Ronin was about two yrs old, the Vet detected what she thought was a grade 2 or 3 murmur. I took him to a doggie Cardiologist and they did a Doppler Echocardiogram on him. The specialist said that his mumur was more of a 1 or 2 and that he had no evidence of Heart Disease. Often times, GP Vets can't hear murmurs accuratley, so if you can find a Cardio doctor, you might think about getting that done. Sending many healing vibes to Cooper and we will keep you and Cooper in our prayers!

 

[K8IE]

Well, the vet tech called me this AM after talking with the vet, and said since he is doing fine now they will check him out when he goes in on Tuesday. She said to just keep doing what I am doing and if I am really freaking out I can bring him in for them to look at him, but I feel he will be fine until Tuesday. I am just running through every possible scenario in my mind, thinking of the best cases and worst cases, and it is just eating me up! I am sure that my vet will probably now recommend he see the cardiologist to diagnose since it is too coincidental that he has a murmur and then just had this episode.. I guess we will just have to wait and I will try to stay calm. I emailed the breeder to let her know what is going on and am waiting to hear back from her. I have a feeling she will call. I will keep you all updated...