Our Beth

[DaisyB]

Yesterday Dave took Beth for her annual, free health check at our vets. When we adopted her two years ago we knew that she had a slight heart murmur.
The news yesterday was quite a shock, her heart murmur has got worse. They measure them on a scale of 1-6 and hers is 3.5-4, so Friday she is booked in for xrays, scans and blood tests.

This explains why she cannot seem to walk far now, Dave is feeling guilty because he says that sometimes he virtually has to drag her round the park at night.

We have been told to give her a low salt diet (do they put salt in dog food?), very short walks and get her to lose some weight (how, when she will only have short walks? Starve her?)

So please cross your fingers for us and hope the prognosis is good. One of our standard poodle some years ago had heart problems but lived to be almost 16, Beth is only 10

[dejavou]

That's a shock for you Daisy, fingers crossed it's not a bad as it seems

[Pam]

Sorry to hear that your lovely dog has a heart murmur. I hope all goes well on Friday. Your vet may recommend the Hill's Science food - it is quite expensive but they do a 'diet' all-in-one food. Do let us know how she gets on.

[DaisyB]

We had to give Jack Hill's Science Diet low protein food because he had bladder stones, he hated it. But Beth eats anything and everything so I don't think that will be a problem with her. (She says, fingers crossed) I've read on a couple of Dog health sites that C0-Enzyme Q is a recommended supplement.
I am taking a days holiday Friday so that I can take her down to the vet and collect her when she comes round.
Thanks for your good wishes, I'll keep you informed.

[Rowan]

I think they probably do put salt in dog food - god knows why!! Hope diet helps the wee soul.

[Monsy]

Duplicated

[Monsy]

I should imagine they put salt in everything! What about that IAMS stuff for older dogs?

Maybe they will be able to treat her with tablets. I hope it won't be as bad as you first thought........

[mazzy]

I've got my fingers crossed for you - such a worry when they are not well.

[DaisyB]

I have just had a call from the vet, they have postponed her appointment until next Thursday as the ultra sound scanning specialist will not be there until then
I'd booked a days holiday tomorrow too, never mind I shall find plenty to do.
Thanks for all your kind comments.

[Emm]

Fingers crossed from me too, June.

[DaisyB]

Update on Beth

Yesterday Beth went for her scans, xrays blood and ECG tests. It seems that her heart is enlarged and ‘baggy’ but the valves have not enlarged with the heart. Her blood is being sent to USA for testing, though Dave forgot to ask why, we might find out on Tuesday when the vet wants to see her again. They think she might also have thyroid problems, though she is not presenting the typical symptoms of fur and weight loss. She has been prescribed Fortekor 5 which is an ACE Inhibitor (used for high blood pressure in humans).
We have to measure her breathing rate when she is resting and keep a note of it for the vet.
Poor thing has got bald patches all over her chest and belly where the attached the electrodes for the ECG, so I really must get her coat stripped so that it doesn’t show so much.

[dejavou]

More waiting then? that's the hardest bit all the worrying!

I hope the news is better than you think

[Pam]

We have to measure her breathing rate when she is resting and keep a note of it for the vet.

This is what my friend had to do for one of her dogs. She looked really poorly and I honestly thought that she wouldn't last more than a few days. Yet.....12 months later and a daily dose of tablets and she is still here and enjoying life! I do hope that things will be sorted soon.

I do hope that Beth's problems will be sorted.

[Rowan]

Fingers crossed for good news Daisy/

[Monsy]

You will be worried sick June, but Beth doesn't know...............

I hope she goes on for years.