Old Age, Heart Trouble, What To Expect

[Guest PDXFOX]

Buddy is 13 and has always been active & in good health. His age has finally caught up with him, however, and we have a lot of questions and decisions to make that perhaps some of you can give us good advice on. His blood work is good but xrays show heart damage. The regular vet wants to refer us to a cardio specialist for ultrasound & other tests. They advised us that this could cost up to $700!! Frankly, we really cannot afford that, especially since we are absolutely against any surgery or other "extreme" measures at this point. Really, what we want is for Buddy to be able to enjoy whatever time he has left as long as he is pain-free and not put him through anything traumatic. He has good days where he is still playful and happy and other days where he is listless, but does not seem to be in any pain or distress. We feel a little guilty considering not doing all the tests etc, but then we also feel guilty when we put him thru trips to the vet, where he gets nervous & upset...not something we want to put him thru at this point in his life.

 

No matter what we end up doing, though, I am concerned about the possibilty of him dying at home, or, worse yet, dying while we are out camping (which we do frequently this time of the year and which he loves more than anything). I have never had a pet die at home...I have always made the difficult decision and had them put to sleep. What does one do in a case like that? It's a sad thing to contemplate, but I also want us to be prepared. I guess I'm just looking for some advice about "end of life" issues from those of you who have been through this before. Thanks in advance for any advice or support you care to give. Joanne

[Burpdog]

I would do a consult with the cardiologist which should not be more than $100. Let him read the xrays and give an opinion. Explain that at his age, you want to manage his problems and give him quality of life.

 

Ask about CQ10 (which Tootsie is on) for the heart issues. Check blood pressure (this should be included in the consult).

 

The regular vets you use--are they familar with greyhound hearts?

[iluvgreys]

His blood work is good but xrays show heart damage... No matter what we end up doing, though, I am concerned about the possibilty of him dying at home, or, worse yet, dying while we are out camping

What kind of heart damage do the x-rays show? Enlargement? Is this vet familiar with gh hearts? Agree with Burpdog... do the cardio consult and get some guidance as to whether your boy needs to be on any supportive medication. Would continue to take him camping and cherish every day you have together.

 

[MP_the4pack]

Pearl started seeing a cardiologist 5 years ago. No surgery. There actually isn't any surgery for a lot of heart ailments. But what they do is put them on meds that make it easier for the heart to beat.

 

You can get most meds at Costco or Walmart for exceptional prices. Pearl's meds would be over $400/month at a regular drugstore. They are only about $40 at Costco. She's on a plethura of meds including for hypertension, which your guy may not have.

 

She has outlived her prognosis by 2 yrs now. And she's still going strong. She's 10 1/2.

 

So, a consult with a cardiologist shouldn't be that bad and could give him more time. Quality time.

 

 

[Guest PDXFOX]

Thanks for your input. That's very helpful. Our vet is familiar with greys, but perhaps not all that great with cardio. I will look into a consult with the cardio specialist. I would be happy to do meds if that helps for the time being. Sounds like a good way to go. Thanks again.

[macoduck]

 

Some vets will come to your house to help put your dog down and take the body away for cremation.

As for camping, have some vet phone numbers handy for vets in that area.

 

I hope Buddy is with you for a long time to come.