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Dear Diary

I've got a really big heart

dear diary, I went to the dogtor for a check-up recently re cushings, cause mom thought I needed my meds adjusted. The dogtor said I seemed to be breathing funny so I had an x-ray. That's when it was discovered that I have an enlarged heart, and am actually in heart failure.

We were all surprised, because an ultrasound just a year ago showed that my heart was just fine thank you; but the dogtor says heart problems can come on fast in us seniors, so there you are! I've been on heart meds a couple of weeks now, and I am kind of in a holding pattern...I dont seem to feel any worse but I'm not getting much better either. The dogtor said the meds can't cure me but will slow down the progression of the disease, and the good news is: the first time she listened to my heart all she could hear was fluid, but now she can hear my heart clearly, so that's an improvement.

Looks like I will be seeing the dogtor fairly often now for monitoring; I'm ok with that, she's very nice and gives treats !! BOL

time for a nap. BAYL

Virginia

It's my 14th barkday

well imagine that, 14 today. I was 5 when I joined this family and time's gone fast. My brother Jetta only made it to 14, so I hope I do better than him!

I feel pretty good in spite of cushings and thyroid. My thyroid pills have brought my levels up to normal but so far I haven't lost much weight, only an ounce !! I guess that means I can't expect an extra helping today - or maybe mom will make an exception for my special day.

We are having real hot weather all of a sudden and its almost too much, I think I'll go spend my barkday in the shade somewhere.

BAYL

Recent events

Mom kept me off the cushings meds for a good month and then I went on a lower dose and am tolerating them well. however mom noticed I was still looking pretty heavy and also had some hair loss on my legs - she suspected something was going on besides cushings, probably thyroid, so off to the vet again for a consultation and bloodwork.

yes I'm hypothyroid so I will be taking thyro-tabs from now on. They usually work pretty fast so we are hoping to see improvement in a few weeks.

mom says it would be nice if I slimmed down a bit and got a waist again - I have to agree, its no fun dragging those extra pounds around. otherwise I'm doing ok for a gal who is facing her 14th barkday.

I'll post a thyroid update when I've been on the pills a while.

BAYL