He is in otherwise good healt except for some Arthritis in his back
legs and perhaps lower back. Does anyone have experience with this kind of situation or can offer some ideas. Bless all of you who are animal lovers!
2006-08-21 14:06:58 · 23 answers · asked by Di 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He isn't in any pain and weighs 50 pounds...he is very active, eats & sleeps well, p's & poops normally and still runs down the yard (fenced) after the local un-neutered Pug. Honestly, he acts totally normal and doesn't shy away from the light massage I've been giving him for the arthritis. i supplement his diet with Omega 3 and glucosamine & chondroitin. I've read about giving him enalapril and/or carnatine. I've rescued dogs for years and yes, I thing I will probably go for as natural approach as I can find. I think an MRI would really spook him anyway. I am known locally as "the dog lady" :) and he has been in my care for 7 years. I don't think my Vet has much knowledge about homeopathic intervention. Since this is an addendum to my original question, I want to thank all wjo have responded so far. You can be sure that I won't "put him down" until he lets me know it's time to cross the Rainbow Brifge!
2006-08-21 14:43:53 · update #1
With a leaky heart valve, there probably isn't much that can be done short of surgery, and at 12, it's tricky at best. You're on the right path: Love, diet, massage and a happy lifestyle. Accupressure or accupuncture might help, too. You sound wise enough to know when it's time for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge--you'll see it in his eyes.
2006-08-26 21:17:33 · answer #1 · answered by PuffsMom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first thing is to just relax. its not the end of the world it does sound scary but with the help of your vet and the new medications that are available now your dog should be just fine.follow every thing your vet says to do down to the letter. i work for a vet as a tech and this is not an uncommon condition .the most important thing is owner compliance. you don't need an MRI but having an ultrasound would be very helpful to the Dr. they may want to do one every few months to see how things are progressing and most vet have the machine to do them right in the hospital it is a very easy test and is not at all painful to the dog but they will have to shave the hair on one side to get a better view of the heart. the test takes no more than 20 minutes at most . its harder on the techs who have to hold the dog still while the Dr. does the test. Do not put the dog to sleep there is no reason to do it now a level 4 heart murmur is not the worst by any means.
2006-08-27 11:31:48 · answer #2 · answered by basque girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In regards to the Heart murmur. I've seen a dog live a long healthy life with this. Mild exercise and special care not to stress his heart where taken. Making sure he didn't get to hot or cold. Slow paced walks and good diet.
Unfortunately the last stage of hear failure took a toll on his organs. His kidneys started to fail and he was suffering from it, we had to put him down.
He lived much longer than the vets gave him. I think it was due to the love and care he received.
Personally I think there is something to be said when you show an animal love, I've seen many dogs recover when the odds were against them
I hope he lives a long and happy life. Best wishes
2006-08-21 16:22:33 · answer #3 · answered by ktwister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably do not need a MRI. Your dog has a leaky heart valve. It will get worse with time and cause heart failure. When he starts getting weaker and weaker and out of breath then you can put him down. In the mean time just love him.
If you had lots of money you could get an ECHOCARDIOGRAM to see which valve is leaking, then you could get an artificial heart valve. But if he is 12 he has had a long life already and there would be no guarantee how much longer he would live with an artificial valve.
2006-08-21 14:28:54 · answer #4 · answered by Diane D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A MRI is a diagnostic tool not a cure, if he has already been diagnosed with a heart murmur, why the need for an MRI?
My suggestion is to give him the required medications and let him be.
It is very heartbreaking to see a beloved pet get sick. We lost our 17 year old dog after being sick for 6 months.
2006-08-21 14:24:38 · answer #5 · answered by Just ME 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's been diagnosed with a Level 4, I wouldn't think you'd need any further diagnositcs unless you feel this could be incorrect for some reason. It is what it is. A heart murmur. At 12 years old, that's not unusual. Keep him mildly active and his weight in check and keep close touch with your vet in the event things change.
2006-08-21 14:19:42 · answer #6 · answered by wifilly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep him relatively quiet...don't exercise him too much, stress him out, etc. Your vet should be able to tell you what a safe level of activity might be for him and what to watch for as far as signs of problems. An MRI is a good idea for a more thorough picture of the health of his heart, but not something necessary to keep him happy and comfortable. He could live comfortably for quite some time as long as his heart isn't stressed too much. Just keep him happy and as stress-free as possible, and give him as much love as much you can as long as he's comfortable and not suffering.
2006-08-21 14:22:42 · answer #7 · answered by talented mrs v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A woman adopted a toy poodle with a really bad heart murmur from the shelter I volunteer at and started giving the dog a salt free diet...down to the treats being salt free. After about 6 months to a year the heart murmur lessened from being able to feel it when you held him to not being able to feel it at all. You do NOT necessarily have to put your dog down...do not listen to everyone who is automatically telling you to do so!
Talk to your vet about this and see what they think. Good luck and thank you for not giving up on him!
2006-08-21 14:12:43 · answer #8 · answered by Amber 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no good to have mri. your pooch is pretty normal for his age. I would think you would not be out chasing balls with him but he should be alright otherwise. He is not in any pain so just see he takes it easy and gets lots of love and attention. He should be your friend for a long time yet.
2006-08-21 14:19:12 · answer #9 · answered by La-z Ike 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Di!
Talk to your vet and explain the situation. He is your partner and don't let it go. Perhaps they will work with payments. Or see if a family member or friend can loan it to you. Best wishes and hope all goes well!!!
There is no love like that of our animals. Unconditional and they look to us for help. Do all you can!!!!!
2006-08-21 14:13:14 · answer #10 · answered by -------- 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋