 |
This forum is for dog lovers seeking everyday advice and suggestions on health-related issues. Remember, however, that advice on a public forum simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say assuredly what is best for your dog. Don't furget to check out Dogster's Dog Care Guide Book for information about caring for the health of your dog!
(Page 2 of 5: Viewing entries 11 to 20) 1 2 3 4 5 
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mindy
It's my way or- the HIGHWAY!
 |
 | | Barked: Mon Jul 28, '08 2:13pm PST | |  | |  | | I had a heart murmur when I was born. A PDA is what mine was called. When I went to the vet they gave med the kennel cough vaccine which we think aggravated the murmur. My heart swelled really big really fast, moving from a stage 2 to a stage five in a matter of weeks. Dad took me to three vets here in Manhattan for three different opinions. each were exactly the same. I needed an operation and fast or I wouldn't live to see my first birthday. They said my heart could give out at any time.
Dad said that if surgery was the only chance I could have then surgery was what I was going to get! He said I had one chance at a life and he was gonna make sure I had a good one! I went into the hospital 12 weeks old and just about 2 LB. The did an operation on me to put a clamp on the fetal artery that didn't close.
It took me about two weeks to recover.
Since then, my heart stopped swelling and I have grown up to my adult size. I have no wheezing or coughing and I don't get winded when I fight with Dash. Dad recently took me back to one of the first Vet's who diagnosed me (they hadn't seen me since that day). She listened to my heart and was AMAZED! She said that if dad hadn't said anything she wouldn't have guessed I had ever had a heart problem. For a Pom who wasn't going to see her first year, I had one hell of a lot of fun on my 4th birthday last month!!
Dad's advice, get a couple opinions and weigh the options carefully. Also remember being even a little bit overweight with a heart problem is bad news! Make sure you watch your girlish figure! |  |  | |  |
| | my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals | [notify] |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Maddy
Grr. Bark. Woof.- Good dog. |
 | | Barked: Mon Jul 28, '08 2:58pm PST | | | | | | Thanks for all the prayers and advice! I will compare foods to get a low sodium diet going. Right now we have city water and use a brita filter for the dogs. In Traverse City we'll have well water and plan on getting a filter on the tap.
So far Maddy has limited her own exercise, but I still think I need to force breaks on her. She did lose a few ounces since March, and seems to be at a perfect weight now.
I don't remember them saying what was causing the murmur or enlargement though. I'll give them a call tomorrow and find out! | | | | |
| | my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals | [notify] |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maddy
Grr. Bark. Woof.- Good dog. |
| | Barked: Mon Jul 28, '08 3:11pm PST | | | | | | Silly question - do I just need to be concerned with the mineral "sodium" level, or is there something else I should be looking to avoid for a low salt/sodium diet?
If it's just the mineral sodium I need to be concerned about, then I found out:
Nature's Logic - .33%
Orijen Senior - .30%
Orijen Adult - .25% | | | | |
| | my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals | [notify] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucy Louise
Just call me- Grandma.
|
| | Barked: Mon Jul 28, '08 5:01pm PST | | | | | | Basically, you need to be concerned about electrolytes. That is potassium, sodium, choride, magnesium and calcium. These all have a charge which plays a very important role in neuro-muscular function. We need them in our diets! However, because they are electrolytes, they can cause the body to hold onto fluid. In fact, the kidneys excrete in particular potassium and sodium or hold onto them to keep your body's water levels balanced. When you or your dog goes on a medication like a beta-blocker it takes some of the work that the heart does and puts it on the kidneys and the liver. Consequently, your kidneys get a buttload of work to do now. So, in watching things like sodium which is high in a lot of tasty foods, you take some of the work off the kidneys and keep the body from holding water. Ever noticed on a hot day that your feet and fingers will swell slightly? That's because of things like sodium and potassium. When you excrete more water than you take in through perspiration, the consequence is that your body holds onto water so as to maintain fluid-electrolyte balance. It's called edema. In the case of mitral valve disease the fluid can also collect in the lungs when it's bad enough: pulmonary edema. This is the main consequence that causes congestive heart failure...think congestion built up in the lungs! So, in general it's good to cut your sodium levels when you or your dog develop high blood pressure, heart murmurs, or heart disease of any kind. Hope that explains the nature of the demon sodium! It's a double-edged sword! | | | | |
| | my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals | [notify] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TEDDY!
I'm so happy to- see you!
|
| | Barked: Mon Jul 28, '08 5:04pm PST | | | | | | Big hugs from TEDDY and family, too! We have had our share of medical troubles, and you must be confident that your Mom will make the right decisions based on the vet's guidance and all the other good advice you are given. Doesn't hurt to get a second (and third, if need be!) opinion. Good luck, Maddy! We will be pulling for you. Love, TEDDY! | | | | |
| | my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals | [notify] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  | (Page 2 of 5: Viewing entries 11 to 20)
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
 |
My Account
I Just wanted to send big hugs for you and your family.Good luck with it sweetie.
