I am thrilled to hear she is feeling better. That has to be a huge relief for you and Tim. Maybe the cardiologist can be more help than your fill in vet. Sounds like a good plan. Hugs to the sweet girl.

SZ

Thank God for that. With my journey with Raven's cancer, I put myself through an emotional roller coaster ride by overthinking the "ifs" and how long he's got, etc... I finally came to the conclusion that Raven didn't know he had cancer. He just knew that he felt good and wanted to play and be normal, and on bad days he wanted to rest and sleep it off. That's all.

As their custodians, it's our responsibility to care for them and understand what is going on in their bodies. But don't lose sight of Sabel's perspective. They want YOU to be normal and get love and hugs, play, sleep, eat, and not be stressing out all the time.

I know more than any that this is a challenge! Just try to remember that none of us knows the day we will leave this earth, and that goes for sick dogs too. Raven lived two months longer than any vet would have dreamed. Each day is a blessing.

Hang in there!

Dawn

"Little Miss Betty Cuteface"
Toofie on the left, eyeball on the right.


Raven (prior to tripawd surgery) and Betty

Lily has CHF and is on lasix and some other meds to improve heart functions. She is a difficult case though. Sometimes lasix and meds can help so much so that a dog can go on for a few years before heart will give up or other organs will get affected. My Lily had to get lasix adjusted twice already, she filled up with fluids fast, I cannot expect to have her so long. From what I understand, when you notice her filling up, take her back, they will adjust her meds and this can go for as long as her other organs can take it.
Given Lily's difficult case, I do not know for how long we can extend this but we will try to do anything we can as long as she does not suffer. I noticed the same as you did (and my Lily is over 10 years old)...when fluids drain, she is full of life, energetic, and happy as a carp. She is more picky about food these days, but I think this is just because she is getting so spoiled that no dog food will do, she has to have all pills packed into chicken or fish, it is a bloody mess, but who cares.
e-mail me if you want to chat or exchange more info. Good luck and hang on.

I really feel for you. I hope the visit to the cardiologist will give you more information you can work with.

Sable is still in my prayers. Sounds like she is feeling good though for the moment, that's a positive thing. I'm sure you are happy to see her feeling like her old self. And maybe you will get more answers at your next appt. Hopefully with some meds she can continue to feel good.

that does help... I guess we will just take things one day at a time for now and see where it goes

She still needs an evaluation as to the severity of her condition.
Think of the heart sort of like a balloon. When the rubber gets overstretched, it loses some of its elasticity. That's kinda what happens in heart failure. An overstretched balloon has reduced flow (if you would allow the air to escape) and won't return to its original shape.
The lasix not only removes fluid from the tissues (lungs, etc), it also reduces the amount of blood volume overstretching the heart muscles. Therapy will aim towards improving heart muscle contractility (with meds and controlling circulating volume) so that she doesn't build up excess fluids that will back up into her lungs and tissues. Does any of that make sense? Been a long time since I did any patirent education... lol
I'm so glad she's feeling better!










Olivia/Kano/Q-Ball

that is why we are going to the cardiologist. He was also comparing his xray to the previous ECHO done by cardiologist... so that is going to throw off as well... but we will keep praying til we see the cardiologist...


thanks for all the well wishes

maybe the diagnosis IS wrong. It wouldn't be the first time I've heard of an emergency hospital vet jumping to the wrong conclusion.

I sure hope he was wrong and it was just an infection!! X'ing my fingers for that outcome.


I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

I know there were times Sunday and monday that she would just look at with those sad eyes and i just wanted to make things better.. then after we saw the vet and came home and began the Lasix... i swear i saw contentment/peace in her eyes... as if she knew that we knew she didnt feel good and we were trying to make her feel better.. She relaxed then.
i just hope she does know that we are going to do everything we can to make her happy and comfortable....