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Knox

Results of "My Amstaff puppy is having seizures"

We finally got the official results about my puppy Knox's seizures. He saw a cardiologist today that determined that he has Mitral Valve Syndrome, and Aortic Stenosis. These are both types of heart disease that affect the valves of the heart and constrict blood flow. They think the seizures came from clots that were forming and making their way to his brain. They actually said he may have had a stroke, but he did not suffer any loss of motor skills. The vet put him on 80mg of Sotalol, and we are lowering his dose of Pheno and seeing if he goes without any more seizures. It's a condition he can live with, but of course it decreases his life expectancy. The vet told me he could live to be 5 or 6. I am very scared and worried for him, my dogs are like my children, and it hurts me to know that I now have limited time with him. I will be contacting his breeder to make sure the rest of his litter is checked, being that this is a genetic disorder.


Asked by Knox on Nov 24th 2009 Tagged amstaff, sick, seizure, epilepsy, heartdisease in Illness & Disease
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Guest

poor pup...he's a sweet looking boy too. Sorry to hear the news. Enjoy those years you will have and give him a lifetime crammed of happy pleasures for both of you.


Member 901737 answered on 11/24/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Jack

Oh, no, what a scary diagnosis. But I have to say it sounds like it can be managed a bit better than some similar conditions.

Try and remember that just because someone says his life expectancy might not be as long really doesn't mean that he won't live longer. I mean, there's going to be a long road ahead of medication and frequent monitoring, but there's always hope for a better outcome.

I've not heard of Mitral Valve Syndrome. I know Mitral Valve Prolapse (on it's own without Aortic Stenosis) doesn't diminish life expectancy. Mitral valve prolapse is just a leaky valve, but this seems different.

I sure wish there was something I could do to help. I know this must be really shocking and painful for you to go through.


Jack answered on 11/24/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 2 Report this answer


B.J., CGC

Hi, I am sorry about Knox's problem... wish it had been the mushrooms!!!
I had an 8 week old lab pup with the same two problems. It was found during his pre-new home health check. Obviously, I did not sell him, but I kept him since he was symptom free. I had a friend who wanted him so we neutered him at 3 months since I feared a problem with the anesthesia. He did well and is now 8 years old. His owner has watched his weight, but kept him well exercised and he has never had any symptoms to date.
However, there are various degrees, hopefully your boy will fare as well. Good luck with him.
BTW... I did not breed this guy's parents again since my vet agreed that this can be a genetic problem in labs as well as other breeds.


B.J., CGC answered on 11/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Miss Priss

Hi Boy - My mom ( human mom, had this disease, too) She does very well and has had it for a long time.
Who knows, with good care you may live even longer than what the vet expects.**
Good food and supplements, oils - good care...****
SEE here if you want MOM to start home cooking - the best ...
Also, supplements too:
www.allexperts.com


Miss Priss answered on 11/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Dieta

It's a good thing you got the reason now so he can be safer. You are a great pup parent and I hope the meds continue to help.
Yes, that is a good idea to let the breeder know. They may not even be aware.


Dieta answered on 11/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Kolbe

I am so sorry to hear this. Keep up with his care and try not to think about him in terms of his shorter life expectancy, instead think of him in terms of how many fun times and how full you can make his life in the time that he is with you. Remember that dogs don't feel sorry for themselves. :)


Kolbe answered on 11/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Ty

Poor guy, i feel bad for him. But vets dont know everything. I had a dog they told me would not live to be 1 , and he died at 6 and a half. years. With alot of care and love you may be able to go well past that. Best of luck to you and your little guy.


Ty answered on 11/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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