Pet Lovers

[AlsaceGal]

Here's the charges for today.

When they gave the Bordetella Intranasal it was in his right nostril.

Reilley was facing me less than a foot from me, bless his heart, he waited about 15 seconds and blew- it landed right on my face,

[OneHappyHiker]

@AlsaceGal (Grab a cup of tea, this really went on lol)

I feel the fear and pain in your words because we were there in your shoes once upon a time. It was the beginning of Covid. Everything was shut down with only essential places such as the vet allowing animals in but not their humans. We had to sit in the car and have our little man taken care of for HIS annual visit. That part was hard, very hard, especially since little man doesn't like going to the vet. Although, to be very honest, the vet says he's a perfect little man when they are tending to his needs when we are not in the room lol. Little Stinker that he is, loves to be very dramatic when he knows mom and dad are watching lol.

So, there we sat waiting to see how he did for his checkup. The vet would call when he was all checked out, and we anticipated a nice and tidy visit. We were wrong, sadly. "I noticed a heart murmur when I was listening to his heart today. I double checked his records because I don't remember him having one before. So, just to be on the safe side because it should be evaluated by a cardiologist, we will give you a list you can use of doctors we especially like and our patients' parents also like. If you have another one you would like to use or would like us to check out, give me a ring. Other than that, we will let you know about his blood test, feces sample, and he got his booster. As usual, he's a perfect little guy and we love seeing him feeling well!" Then of course we asked him a million more questions...

So I looked at my husband and we both were absolutely shocked and numb at this point. Trying not to be worried (to death), we thought well positive point is he wasn't rushed into the hospital and we were told the average appointment with specialists takes about 2-3 months, and that's totally fine. No rush, no worries, let's just be safe.

So yes, we were scared just like you.

Fast forward to 2024, many years after that initial hearing of that murmur.... he goes to a cardiologist he seems to LOVE every six months due to the progression it can make and how dogs age faster than humans. He is 12. We LOVE his entire cardiology team, and we are ALWAYS chatted with BEFORE they decide what tests to give him, if any, at his checkups and cost v what's needed. Yes, he is on heart meds to make his heart work easier and to give that heart a rest. Yes, he does have heart disease that is common in little dogs, but as they said... it doesn't mean certain death from it. His heart has been considered stable since he began his meds. He didn't begin them at the date of diagnosis. He needed to begin meds when there was mild progression of the disease. The meds have helped as is evidenced by the tests given. We see all the test results and have plenty of time with his cardiologist to make sure we understand them. These visits are well worth the time and money.  

So what has changed? To this day, and that many years older than his diagnosis, nothing. Seriously. If we had no idea he had a murmur (I CAN feel/hear it) and we didn't see the test results, we would have no idea he had it. He eats, plays, sleeps, goofs around, acts completely like little man always has. His cardiologist said he's a smart little guy and will show us when he wants to rest. So when walking, if he sits, let him. We just bring a stroller or carry him. Then after an average of three minutes lol, he wants down again and continues with his walk. We are not to overexercise him, but he needs to take his walks and play, etc. Just be smart about it all. So most likely, you had no clue Reilley has a murmur because it doesn't affect him.

I am so sorry I went on and on but there is so much to cover on this topic and I wanted you to get my pov because it's something that can be lived with. Google it all and don't focus on the negative. We learned lots about it so we were able to talk to the cardiologist on a level of understanding about murmurs.  Remember, each little creature is different. Each disease is different. There are innocent heart murmurs which do nothing.

But for one.... that money you spent is well worth it. I understand the skepticism people have because vet bills have skyrocketted. Then again, so has absolutely every single thing. I for one have been with this vet forever and the reason they "nickel and dime" you is because just like us, they need tests to confirm suspicion of disease. To catch this early is beneficial. It's really crazy how much things cost, but I am thankful our vet caught it early so little man has been able to live a normal life.

I really hope this helps. Please don't worry, but I know you will. We were so worried. It's a horrible feeling. Just remember though... A murmur is not a death sentence. A good cardiologist will help your Sweet Reilley live a productive life. 

[AlsaceGal]

@OneHappyHiker 

Thank you so very much, I'll try not to worry too much. I also wouldn't have suuspected it, Reilley is very active and doesn't cough which was a question his vet asked me.

Reilley is old which is the reason he takes naps.

[sugarbee]

@AlsaceGalSeveral of my cats and dogs through the years have had heart murmurs.  Some are hardly noticeable and others can be very strong.  My vet has always monitored them with their checkups.  I have had two pass through the years due to a heart condition, a cat and a dog. With weight loss or on medications for other ailments murmurs can grow weaker or diminish - like a person, just depends on age and conditions.  Do not worry and like you are doing, just love your Reilley. I have nine cats and one little dog - the majority of them are on special food (ordered through Chewy). The monies add up but it is all well spent on our furbabies.  Nothing like the unconditional love they give us. Give Reilley a hug from me!  

[AlsaceGal]

@sugarbee 

Thank you, I'll try not to worry. As you and others have posted, it may very well be much ado about nothing..

[Puggywuggy]

@AlsaceGal
I am so sorry to hear about your precious Reilley! We will all be pulling for your baby. As others have beautifully and kindly stated, often times heart murmurs do not cause terrible problems and you have many of us who will be praying that all will be well! ❤️🐾

[AlsaceGal]

@Puggywuggy 

Thank you so very much. 
Everyone has been very kind and reminding me that my Reilley will be okay. 

It really means a lot to me. Thank you.

[Carmie]

I prefer the Cavalier King Charles breed.  They are known to have heart issues.

I have taken my dogs to vet cardiologists and it isn't cheap.  Echocardiograms cost over $1500 because anesthesia is involved.  Plus, they are prescribed expensive meds.  An office visit for a check up is also an ongoing expense. They have never had an xray of the heart.

Eventually, these dogs will die from heart disease.  I had one that just fell over with a thud and she was gone.  Her heart valve tore away.

Pets are expensive.  One of my dogs just had a $1080 teeth cleaning with a few extractions.

I do not get yearly immunizations for my dogs. I just keep up with the rabies vaccination every three years.

My Vets are a husband and wife team.  She is okay, but he is sneaky as all get out.  He likes to take my dogs into the back room and preforms extra services to pad the bill.

He and I have had choice words.  I always ask NOT to see him.

I understand how you feel about Rielley. Our pets are our everything.  I hope he is fine.

[Jk9]

Good to hear about the rattle snake vaccine being used.  We have copperheads mostly and their venom isn't as deadly to dogs (there are a lot of factors involved determining how deadly the actual bite is).   Four of our dogs were bitten by the same snake at the same time.  I was told that rattler bites are another matter.   We were in an emergency visit with our Frenchie when a rattle snake bite dog came in and they weren't sure he would survive the bite.  If we start seeing more rattle snakes here you bet we will vaccinate.

[Sammycat1]

@AlsaceGal 

We've had pets with murmurs (they can be graded by the way to give you an idea of severity). Some could not be found again--it was the position of dog or cat as the vet was listening, or just an an anomaly.

We have a lot of experience with heart problems in our cats and dogs. Mostly cats, but the drill to find the problem is essentially the same.

The best first test if heart problems are suspected is not expensive. It's merely a blood test called a proBNP test. It will detect the presence of heart disease in your pup and set your mind at ease or tell your vet is Reilley needs more examination in the heart dept. Your regular vet should be able to do this.

It measures the presence of specific proteins that tell your vet instantly and with no doubt that something's going on with the heart. If there is, the logical next step is the X-ray; he can then detect whether the heart is enlarged. Some vets also have EKGs to check your dog.

But by the first two tests--the proBNP and the X-ray--you're getting some basic info without costing an arm and a leg before you know if there really is an issue and whether you need the services of a cardiologist.

Best of luck to you and Reilley. Just call your vet and request the proBNP.