Guest tammara Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 (edited) Bear had his appointment with the vet Friday and they did an EKG and she feels Bear has Cardiomyopathy/Congestive heart failure. He will go back Monday for a chest x-ray, and ultrasound. He has been started on Vetmedin. He seems to feel a little better today and is eating some and drinking some. His prognosis is not good... The vet said Bear could have up to six months. But unless he starts to feel a lot better I don't think DH and I could force him to stay that long. We are devastated. Does anyone have any experience with this? UPDATE 9/22/08 Not great news. It's hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, apparently rare in dogs. It's very advanced. He will start Enapril. The vet was not very optimistic about his prognosis, she said he could go at anytime and it would be quick. He has a follow up appointment Friday for acupuncture. We are still overwhelmed with all of this news, and I have a lot of research to do so that we can understand his disease. We are really going to need to consider his quality of life and balance it with longevity. He needs to have walks, eat, and many drives in the V.A.N. (even though he can spell now ). Tonight if you met him you might not even know he is sick. He ate his dinner, and has pestered DH and I for a ride (which he will get). He does not look like he is in pain, he is smiling and enjoying life tonight. He had been on the Vetmedin, and I had noticed on the label it was not to be used with Bear's type of cardiomyopathy. So we called the vet, she called the company and they said to stop using it. She will consult with a cardiologist, apparently we have one vet cardiologist in the state. I am freaking out that we don't have a real definitive plan yet. So I am off to do online research. I am open to any thoughts. Please pray for my baby. Edited September 22, 2008 by tammara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onrushpam Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 The vet told us 2.5 years ago that Isaac only had a vew weeks/months to live. He continues to prove them wrong! He's on Furosemide (Lasix) and Enalipril. The vet says we can add Vetmedin if/when he needs it, but right now, he's doing well. Our biggest challenge has been getting him to eat enough. His teeth are TERRIBLE and he can't have a dental. The low sodium heart formula dog foods didn't have enough calories for him. So, we cook a chicken/ground beef/veggie stew in the crockpot and freeze containers of it. I've posted the recipe a couple of times, but can do so again, if you want it. He eats the stew, mixed with a little bit of Blue Buffalo Fish/Potato kibble. (He LOVES fish). We have to give him a round of antibiotics every few weeks, due to the condition of his teeth. Quote Pam GPA-Tallahassee/Southeastern Greyhound Adoption "Fate is unalterable only in the sense that given a cause, a certain result must follow, but no cause is inevitable in itself, and man can shape his world if he does not resign himself to ignorance." Pearl S. Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 I'm sorry no experience here, but we sure have lots of prayers Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Our Dalmatian had this and we put her on a series of drugs that the specialist recommended (he happen to specialize on heart ailments). He was wonderful and our sweetie lived 3 years longer due to his help and it wasn't that caused us to make the final decision to let her go. She did cough from time to time but regular check-ups showed she was doing fine on the drugs. I will note they are not cheap but they helped keep her happy and with us for a few years longer than she likely would have. My DW has all the drug names if you are interested, one was Furosemide. This is 'treatable' or maybe not treatable but manageable is the better term. Make sure you are dealing with a vet who specializes in this. Our thoughts are with you and Bear at this time. Remember you can manage this, it does not have to be life threatening at this time. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelWhispers Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Patsie was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy last year when she was 11 years old. The vet said he didn't know how long she had but we started her on Enalapril and he said she may need lasix or one of the other diuretic meds later. So far she's only needed the enalapril but she does get a dental every 6 months because the bacteria from nasty teeth can make the heart disease worse. My vet lightly sedates her for her teeth cleaning, and she always has a week of anbiotics after the dental. Last year she was on deaths door and now at 12 1/2 she's a very active senior lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Quote Denise & Strider, Blake, Fields, Frank, FlippyDoo, and Momma Gail. The Bridge Angels Zack(Ags Marble Chip) 4/25/93-2/16/06, Wanda(Rainier Rowanda) 12/14/94-06/09/06, Brooke/Boogers(Rainier Restive) 01/01/99-10/20/08, Warlock(Rainier Rammer) 4/29/99-10/01/09), Patsie(Frisky Patsy) 5/17/96-2/05/10, Hatter(Cals Madhatter) 6/3/00-3/11/10, Dodger(Rainier Ransack) 4/29/99-4/16/10, and Sparkle(Okie Sparkle) 11/8/2000-1/28/11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tenderhearts Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 My old lab mix Raven has CHF and was put on enalapril and furosemide in April of 2005. The vet said we might have a good year with the old gal on the meds. She turned 15 in April of this year. My biggest problem now is keeping weight on her, and I PM'd Burpdog for some suggestions. She now gets Biljac added to her kibble so we'll see if that helps (only on day 4 of that now). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onrushpam Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Both Enalapril and Lasix are on the Walmart/Target $4 list. Isaac had a couple of dentals after he was diagnosed with CHF. But, after the last one, our vet said he didn't feel comfortable doing it again. Isaac is 13.5 years old and, since his CHF diagnosis, has also survived two bouts of squamous cell carcinoma, with surgery to remove those tumors from his mouth. We agree with our vet that it's probably not wise to do any more to him than we have to. Quote Pam GPA-Tallahassee/Southeastern Greyhound Adoption "Fate is unalterable only in the sense that given a cause, a certain result must follow, but no cause is inevitable in itself, and man can shape his world if he does not resign himself to ignorance." Pearl S. Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Thank you all, you give me hope. I know after Monday's tests and our follow up on Wednesday I am going to have a lot more questions for all of you. Right now I just am trying to learn as much as I can, and your posts help A LOT! Its been a bit of a shock, Bear being so sick so suddenly. Here is a picture of him Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Our non grey Angel Chelsea lived almost 3 years after her diagnosis on meds. Our challenge was getting her to eat...but she did well for quite some time. My heart and prayers are with you. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onrushpam Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 My biggest problem now is keeping weight on her, and I PM'd Burpdog for some suggestions. She now gets Biljac added to her kibble so we'll see if that helps (only on day 4 of that now). I know Burpdog loves the frozen BilJac, and I, too, have used it for dogs that wouldn't keep weight. But, it's really not all that high in calories. The Blue Buffalo kibble is one of the highest in calories and seems to be fairly low in sodium. That, combined with the chicken stew, is working for us. Isaac's stew is: 5 lbs chicken leg quarters (I get them in a 10 lb bag at Wally World or Albertsons), usually .80 - .89 per lb. Cook on low in crockpot with just a bit of water for 24 hours. Remove the bones, smoosh them up (they'll be soft) and put them back in. Add: 2.5 lbs of the cheapest ground beef you can find 1 large can no-salt-added tomatoes 1 lb frozen sliced carrots 1 lb frozen spinach or mixed greens 1 lb frozen yellow squash or zuchinni Continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink and the veggies are soft Quote Pam GPA-Tallahassee/Southeastern Greyhound Adoption "Fate is unalterable only in the sense that given a cause, a certain result must follow, but no cause is inevitable in itself, and man can shape his world if he does not resign himself to ignorance." Pearl S. Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AzLazyHounds Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Many thoughts and prayers for Bear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 I am praying for your precious, handsome boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jennifer4719 Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 I don't have much experience with dogs with cardiomyopathy, but I do have lots of experience with humans with it. Most humans get pace makers and lots of meds and are managed quite well. I am sure that dogs would have similar results with the meds, as some have testified to. Good luck with your girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tenderhearts Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Pam, thanks for that recipe! The Biljac was the only brand I could find that Diane had suggested. Tammara, what a precious face your boy has-very kissable! :kiss2 I'll be keeping him in my prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest formercatlady Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Sorry no helpful advice - just for your handsome boy and a big for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Thanks everyone. Pam that recipe is very similar to what we make for the boys, and Bear wouldn't touch it this week. Just didn't have the appetite for it. The only big difference is we make it on the stove top, and throw out the bones. But I like your method better, where the bones are soft and put back in. I'm going to have to get a crock pot! Bear seems to be feeling a little better tonight. He has had two small meals and the light is back in his eyes. He has found his way back on the couch, which he hasn't done in days, so I know he feels a little better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onrushpam Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 We've found that very stinky fishy food is the only thing that will "jump start" Isaac when he gets into one of his "I don't want to eat" phases... The Blue Buffalo Fish/Potato kibble, and Publix (regional grocery chain) has these little cans of pure tuna for cats... the dark, nasty stuff humans won't eat. But, it is pure tuna, no other ingredients, and it's 10 cans for $3!!! So, we sometimes plop some of that on top of his food. It's labeled "Tuna for Cats" and is on the pet food aisle. When we go out to dinner (not often), I often order fish of some sort and bring some back for Isaac. I also cook more fish than I used to, always saving some for him. Oh, and fritofeet's Tuna Tooters Isaac won in the Suzy awards were AMAZING! I need to order more of those. We'd throw a couple of those in with his stew to soften and he gobbled it up. Sometimes, if I'm really desperate, I'll just sprinkle a handful of kitty kibble over his food and that will work. Isaac has become very weird about his eating habits. He needs a rubber-backed rug to stand on when he eats and his food has to be raised. He'll take his pills in cream cheese. But, he has to eat some of his regular food first, then get his pills mid-meal. He won't take them before he starts eating nor after he has finished. He's like an old person who has a routine that can't be changed! I figure he's earned the right to be idiosycratic! Quote Pam GPA-Tallahassee/Southeastern Greyhound Adoption "Fate is unalterable only in the sense that given a cause, a certain result must follow, but no cause is inevitable in itself, and man can shape his world if he does not resign himself to ignorance." Pearl S. Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LynnM Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 (edited) Unfortunately, the Tuna for Cats has been discontinued... don't know the reason or when it'll be back. I hope it drops back in soon!!!!! ETA... Isaac TOTALLY scams me for snacks when I'm looking after him, and he gets whatever he wants, because I won't have him skipping meals... it's SO hard to get him back to normal once his potassium gets depleted (from the Lasix) and he's stressed. We keep a bottle of Potassium Gluconate tablets (OTC dosage) on hand, and I have given those when he flat out will not eat and they help a little bit, but the only thing that really gets him going is getting some food into him. Lynn Edited September 21, 2008 by LynnM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Grhndad Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 I was surprised to see this post because yesterday my 9 yr old was diagnosed with CHF. She started having a hacking cough and throwing up a clear mucus back in the spring. A short treatment of Preds and antiboitics seemed to take care of it but the vet told me that there was a good chance it was CHF and keep an eye out. Early this week she started the hacking cough again mainly after hard play and when getting up from a nap. Took her in yesterday and the doc did an exam and xray which confirmed that she did infact have CHF. She is on a short treatment of Preds and Antiboitics and was started on Lasix. She goes back in next Friday and the doc will adjust the dosage of Lasix as needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytful4 Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 I'm so sorry. I had a kitty several years back who had that, he was on lasik as I remember. He did fairly well for a space of time.He lived for almost two years after diagnosis, he passed very quickly, before I could help him to the bridge. I know how you feel.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 He is a beautiful boy and we hope for his good health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Not great news. It's hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, apparently rare in dogs. It's very advanced. He will start Enapril. The vet was not very optimistic about his prognosis, she said he could go at anytime and it would be quick. He has a follow up appointment Friday for acupuncture. We are still overwhelmed with all of this news, and I have a lot of research to do so that we can understand his disease. We are really going to need to consider his quality of life and balance it with longevity. He needs to have walks, eat, and many drives in the V.A.N. (even though he can spell now ). Tonight if you met him you might not even know he is sick. He ate his dinner, and has pestered DH and I for a ride (which he will get). He does not look like he is in pain, he is smiling and enjoying life tonight. He had been on the Vetmedin, and I had noticed on the label it was not to be used with Bear's type of cardiomyopathy. So we called the vet, she called the company and they said to stop using it. She will consult with a cardiologist, apparently we have one vet cardiologist in the state. I am freaking out that we don't have a real definitive plan yet. So I am off to do online research. I am open to any thoughts. Please pray for my baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyBailey Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Our Carrier had heart problems... to this day, i have no idea what they really were, because the vets couldn't really figure it out. In his case, he had a lot going on...he was tripod, with a tumor on his heart, had signs of cardiomyopothy, and a slew of other problems, but like your Bear, he acted like everything was fine. I know that feeling of when something is wrong with them and it's with a major organ. I worried all the time. I don't have much to add in the way of medical help.. just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and Bear. hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyDoodle Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Tammara, where are you in VT? Who is your vet? I'm in Franklin Co. DD Quote DonnaMolly the Border Collie & Poquita the American-born Podenga Bridge Babies: Daisy (Positive Delta) 8/7/2000 - 4/6/2115, Agnes--angel Sage's baby (Regall Rosario) 11/12/01 - 12/18/13, Lucky the mix (Found, w 10 puppies 8/96-Bridge 7/28/11, app. age 16) & CoCo (Cosmo Comet) 12/28/89-5/4/04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vinnie Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thinking of you all and adding you to our prayers. We hope that the meds work for Bear - it sounds like a few people here have had good luck with the meds. His face just melts my heart - what a sweetie. Sending hugs and scritches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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