Hi all. So I had Whiskey in for his second vaccination (€25 for the both of them, quite happy with that), flea treatment and worm tablet. At his first vaccination we were told he has a slight heart murmur, but were also informed it's quite normal in a puppy and especially so for large breed puppies, so whilst it was always at the back of my mind, I didn't worry too much. He should grow out of it. At his second vaccination, the heart murmur has become worse. He's been subdued the last couple of days, hardly his usual energetic self. It's worst after sleep and any exercise; he struggles for breath, coughing, and you can see his chest rising and falling heavily. His body nearly trembles with his heart going the way it is. I'm distraught. We have him booked in for an x-ray on Tuesday, and if that doesn't show anything, an ultrasound to follow. The vet didn't seem too optimistic. I don't know what to do. Here's a picture I had meant to post previously, I might as well do it now.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Oh Gerry, my heart breaks for you and your little pup :'( Thinking of you x
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Oh no! I can't say how sorry I am to hear that. Sending you all the best wishes for you and your boy.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Hi Gerry, I am so sorry to hear that your pup has a heart problem. Please do not give up hope at this point. And do contact your vet without hesitation if you think that his condition is worsening, or if it has changed since the vet last saw him. The vet may be able to help relieve any symptoms your puppy is having. Fingers crossed for you and your lovely puppy. Pippa
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Gerry, this is absolutely heart breaking news :'( Whiskey is absolutely gorgeous and I will be keeping everything crossed for you and Whiskey. I will be thinking about you both.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Gerry I am so so sorry.....this is such sad news to share and nothing any of us can say will lessen the worry.I can truly empathize with your concern,I've been desolate about my dog recently and I've just had a little cry about Whiskey.Take it a step at a time and a vet appointment at a time and don't give up hope....please let us know how he goes and what happens on Tuesday ,we all love our dogs so much we can all understand how upset you must feel Sending you my very best wishes Angela x
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. So sorry to hear about Whiskey's poor health. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that something will be able to make him better. Mplease let us know how you get on at the vets. Harley (13 weeks) sends lots of licks to Whiskey
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Really sorry to hear this. What an adorable little chap he is. Fingers firmly crossed for you.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Thanks a lot everyone.. has anyone had or heard of anything similar? Our vet didn't want to say too much prognosis wise without further tests, and Google varies widely in its prognosis, so I'm reluctant to trust that. Just feel so helpless, wish there was something I could do for him now.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Oh Gerry , this is awful news , what a terrible worry for you , can really understand your feelings of helplessness . Try not to lose faith , I`m afraid I dont know anything about this condition, but my thoughts are with you .
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Gerry, my friend has a Golden Retriever that had exactly the same problem as a puppy and now Poppy is a thriving 3 year old. All cases are different though. Have you been in contact with the breeder to see if she has any ideas and if any of the other pups from the litter have the same heart problem? Don't google, there are too many differences of opinion and your head will be in a spin. Be positive and just being there for Whiskey is what he needs and a vet trip if there is any decline at all. Take care.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. [quote author=Gerry link=topic=3147.msg33519#msg33519 date=1383505421] Our vet didn't want to say too much prognosis wise without further tests, and Google varies widely in its prognosis [/quote] You must be desperate for information. but if your vet doesn't know without more tests, then all reason to be hopeful unless you find out differently from your vet? Google can drive you nuts in worrying situations. If only positive hopes, wishes and thoughts would help - we're sending heaps anyway...
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. He is an adorable little pup and I can well understand your heart ache. I do know of a Cocker pup who had what sounds like a similar problem; the owner could not afford specialist op but his vet who did specialise in hearts did the op for a very reasonable fee as he was interested and said there was hope. The pup must be about two years old now and is as lively as anything, he has to take heart medication but apart from that looks really well. Don't give up yet.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Hi Gerry, Such worrying news for you. I agree with Pippa that if you feel he is worsening don't hesitate to contact the vet sooner as some meds might help to ease his breathlessness and coughing. I do know one of the rescue labs on FB had quite complex heart surgery recently too and did really well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you all. xx
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. my thoughts are with you, you must be heart broken,......i have no advice on this problem with your puppy, only to say my daughter had a heart murmur at 8 weeks old, she is now 33, no operations have been needed, i don't know if there is a difference between human and animals i hope every thing turns out for the best xx big hugs
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. Oh dear, how horrible! So sorry to hear this, it's such a worry. Don't know if this helps or not, but my previous dog, a Border Collie, was diagnosed with a heart murmur when he was young. Vet didn't think it was too bad, but also said it could shorten his life or cause some difficulties. He had a healthy life and died when he was sixteen. So just take it a day at a time as the others have said. Hopefully you'll get more info soon.
Re: Really worried Whiskey won't make it.. I'm so very sorry to hear that you must be devastated. Hoping you will have a good outcome and little Whiskey will be okay... please let us know how he goes. x
