My 6 year old Lab was just diagnosed with Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia/Heart Disease. He's otherwise a healthy dog. The vet said he has a grade 4 heart murmur and his TVD is moderate. They said the right side of his heart has some enlargement, but his disease seems to be progressing slowly. I was told he could never develop heart failure and live a pretty normal life or he could and have 6-12/months. From the vet: " Short term prognosis is fair to good given that Gander is asymptomatic. Long term prognosis is poor for severe TVD with dogs typically developing CHF early in life. " They said keep him off grain-free food and avoid sodium. Avoid over exerting himself and always be looking for signs of disease progression. Right now, he doesn't show many signs of it other than he walks very slowly on his walks and doesn't do well in heat; however off leash when we go hiking he does very well. He has definitely slowed down and it's most noticeable on those walks, but when people or other dogs are around he loves to play and interact. No coughing, or fluids in his stomach. Right now he is on Purina Pro Plan Healthy Weight and gets carrots for treats, thought I wonder if carrots are too high in sodium for him. I've also been considering a second dog - a friend for him. I just don't know how I'd balance the active lifestyle of a younger dog and a dog that can't keep up. Me personally, this dog is my everything. He truly is my child and I'm just having a very hard time not having catastrophic thinking about a shorted life-span. I understand his diagnosis could be much worse, but this certainly is good. There is no cure, no medication, no supplement or anything suggested by the CSU Vet School team. Having said that, I just feel somewhat hopeless and lost. Other than "taking it easy" the vet didn't give me any advice and certainly no words of encouragement. Has anyone else ever been in a similar situation? Does anyone have advice on moving forward and not constantly focusing on "when he goes"? Additionally, any advice on diet, supplements, treats for dogs with heart disease would be wonderful. Thanks everyone
Sorry to hear that your chap has had this diagnosis. It's not anything I know anything about, but fingers crossed for a long and healthy life for him. If your vet couldn't offer you much advice, is it worth you chatting to another vet?
So sorry to hear what you are going through. Having a young dog with a poor prognosis is horrible and all consuming. I don’t know anything about your dogs condition but I would do as much research as possible and try to find a specialist who can give you more specific advise about exercise and nutrition. Toby has a 6% chance of making it past 2 years post chemo but I don’t allow myself to think about that very often. I am concentrating on giving him the best life I can and hope that because he is young and strong he will be one of the 6%. That doesn’t mean I don’t have teary moments when I feel sorry for him and myself but you pick yourself up and move on to something nice. I haven’t once thought about “when he is goes” A second dog may help it not become all consuming but I would be concerned a more energetic dog would be unfair on him at this stage Keep us posted with Gander’s progress and if you receive any more specific advice. All the best.
Hi Garett, Just came across your forum. You must be I'm Colorado. My 12 week old puppy lab was just diagnosed with TVD. Hers is serious. It is heart breaking. I hope we get at least 6 years with her. I'm wondering if you have found out or learned anything since your fur baby's diagnosis and how he is doing. Thanks Kerri
