Sadie is going in Tuesday morning for a dental and I am already a nervous wreck. She will need at least 2 teeth removed, possibly more. She's done well in the past with anesthesia, but I am always nervous when they have to go under.
I always refer to Sadie as my "heart" dog. Not only because we share an incredible bond, but she has heart problems. I have been hesitant to put her new diagnosis out there, while I am not sure why. I guess once it's in print, it makes it real.
When I fostered Sadie back in 2008, we went through lots of testing to find out what was making her sick. After many trips to the specialty vet clinic in Louisville, they came up with the diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Mild Mitral Valve Disease.
Last November, she seemed to be coughing after drinking water, so I took her to the vet to have things checked out. She was overdue for an echocardiogram anyway, so we got that scheduled. My vet clinic has the ultrasound equipment and a doctor from Louisville comes on Wednesday to do procedures. This seemed to be a better option since Sadie is familiar with our vets office and it was closer.
After looking at the images for a long time, the doctor who did the procedure just couldn't see where they came up with her original diagnosis. He then called Dr. Couto to get him in on the consultation. Of course, I go to the office to pick up my girl and I am greeted with "they are very interested in your dog". Well, of course, it's Sadie and she does nothing normal.
Dr. Couto was heading for Spain, but graciously answered emails. He let my doctors know that while in Spain he would have a veterinary cardiologist (one of the best in his words) at his disposal. So my vet sent the images to him and once in Spain, together they looked at things.
It turns out that Sadie doesn't have the cardiomyopathy or mitral valve disease. She has PDA, which stands for Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Click on the link if you want all the technical jargon, but it is a birth defect. It can be corrected by surgery, but at her age, I can't risk it. I always ask my vets what they would do if it was their dog, and they agreed with my decision.
Any good thoughts, white light, prayers, whatever you can send this way for Sadie would be greatly appreciated.
It sounds like Sadie is in good hands. Take a deep breath ... she should be fine. I will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteSending best wishes and prayers for Sadie.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Sadie!!!
ReplyDeletethe new diagnosis seems better than DCM ... but maybe that is just cos a friend's dog just passed from DCM after being diagnosed with it a year ago :P
Thinking good thoughts for beautiful Sadie!
ReplyDeleteLots of good thoughts for Sadie and you are going out from here!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, that is something I had never heard of before. Thanks for sharing the information. And we'll be sending Sadie our best thoughts.
ReplyDeleteShe really is a special girl. Even in her diagnosis. Stanley recently had his second dental in as many years. Stinkin' abscessed teeth. Our vet called us the minute he woke up, as they know how greyhound owners worry about anesthesia.
ReplyDeleteSadie will most likely do well, and I pity the vet if they don't get her teeth in good condition, and get her to wake up in good condition!
ReplyDeleteI think it's good that you got a new and correct diagnosis. I believe that it is less detrimental to Sadie.
Prayers for you both are in the pipeline!
Best of luck to Sadie! I know you will be worried sick, so would I be. Hopefully it's all over now and you and she are both smiling.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like Sadie's 'new' diagnosis isn't quite as bad as the original one. I wouldn't operate either.
I sure hope all went well with the teeth.
ReplyDeleteI belive in prayers for animals. My cat was called the miracle cat at the vet, and he had lots of prayers going up for him.
xoxoxox
Sheila