Huey had another fainting episode this morning.....

[Vicki]

He was on our bed...made a couple little coughs and then gradually kind of collapsed. He urinated too. Lasted about 50 seconds then he was fine. I stayed home with him this morning - just couldn't leave him so soon after an episode. He's been fine since, went outside, ate his treat, etc. He has an appt for his echocardiagram on the 30th - it was the soonest appt they had. My problem is I'm so scared that one of these faintings kill him. Is that a reasonable fear? I'm calm with him when it happens but inside I'm dying - just feeling so scared that this is the end. Can they give meds that can stop syncope? Does having syncope mean he's getting close to the end of his life? I'm crying as I type this because I just couldn't stand to lose him so soon. You've probably heard people refer to a particular dog as their 'heart dog'? Well, Huey is my heart dog. I lost my dad a year ago, lost my little Trevor last month and now Huey is having heart issues. This has been so hard. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! Vicki

[Traci]

Call your vet immediately, Vicki, he needs to know Huey had another episode, and your vet needs to consider treating as if seizure activity. There are sedative-like medications your vet might want to consider. He may also need to attempt speeding up the process for the echocardiogram, or refer you to another cardiologist who is available.

The problem is the frequency of the episodes and having had no real treatment to control them. Since tomorrow is a holiday and the availability of vet services may be limited, do not wait, call/see your vet immediately and see about temporary treatment options ASAP.

[Vicki]

Huey had his echocardiagram today.....I wasn't comfortable waiting till next week. He hasn't had any more episodes and did fine with the test. It showed that the valve on the side of the heart that pumps blood back out into the body isn't closing right.....one flap doesn't close all the way and the other flap is bowed out so there isn't good flow there all the time. And that side of his heart is enlarged. Huey is now on lasix, enalapril and theophylline. I go back to my regular vet in two weeks for physical exam, ECG, blood pressure check and blood tests. Then again in two months. I go back to the cardiologist in four months for another echocardiagram. The cardiologist feels that because of the extent of the heart problems, these episodes are most likely syncope. But, he hasn't ruled out seizures 100% Time will tell I guess....if the meds make a difference. Huey and I were down in Annapolis almost all day today and were so glad to finally get home. It was a nasty, wet and cold day outside. So, all in all, I feel pretty good about the path we're taking right now. I know, that whenever the time comes, it will be heart problems that take Huey's life, but hopefully we've bought a couple, or maybe even a few years more with him. Thanks.

[Traci]

Vicki, I can imagine you are very exhausted right now. Take some time with Huey and take one day at a time. Keep in contact with your vet and the cardiologist, and try to keep a daily log of sorts, for meds, Huey's response, etc, this can be very helpful.

Hang in there, with proper treatment, his condition could very well be managed. I would only suggest that you talk to your vet about having a mild sedative on hand in the event Huey has another episode and in case you cannot get him in on an emergency for some reason. Your vet may or may not agree with this approach, but it's worth it to talk to him about it. Do find out, however, if any medication may interfere or be contraindicated with the heart medications.

Here's hoping Huey starts feeling better, and you too!

[Vicki]

Thanks Traci.....Huey is doing fine so far. No episodes and no side effects, yet, from medications. I know the meds are not a cure for his heart issues but we're hoping to buy a couple years or more on his life. Right now, though I'm just hoping he'll have a normal life. I'll keep you posted on how he's doing. We go back to his regular vet in two weeks for a check up - ECK, blood work, blood pressure check. But so far, he's being his sweet little happy self. Thanks....Vicki