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Acampingwewillg's avatar
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2013

Enlarged Heart- Cavalier

While on a trip the last few weeks, one of our girls(Rubie- 6 years old) developed a whizzing type cough. We took her to the vet yesterday for blood work and back today for an X-ray. The results of the X-ray were not good. I know the King Charles Cavaliers are prone to heart murmurs but in this case our Rubie has an enlarged heart pressing up against her lungs thus causing the cough/whizzing. The prognosis is pretty grim. She was put on Benazepril 5mg and Vetmedin 1.25 mg and obviously were hoping and praying for the best. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated? Dr. Doug? Our vet said we could go to a Vet-Cardiologist but the prognosis would likely be the same. I haven't had much time to absorb this and research it on the internet....its all too soon!

34 Replies

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  • CatandJim's avatar
    CatandJim
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2013
    I have followed this thread without making a comment but please know my thoughts & prayers with you and Ruby.
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2013
    In this situation....the "Serenity Prayer" is definitely one that we'll be thinking of and your right on about knowing where we stand now in regards to Rubie's overall condition. Our other girls will just have to be extra nice to Rubie in the coming weeks/months!
  • CA_POPPY's avatar
    CA_POPPY
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2013
    Awww, that is sad news, but I'm thinking it's good that you know, so you can better deal with whatever is to come. The old Serenity Prayer is still the best, isn't it?
  • campn4walleye's avatar
    campn4walleye
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2013
    It's funny how we've never met, but I feel so connected. I worried all day about your appt.

    Even now my heart breaks for your sad news. It makes me appreciate Duncan even more = more hugs.

    Keep us posted on her progress. She's in our prayers.
  • kokosfriend's avatar
    kokosfriend
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2013
    I am going through chemo with my dog to prolong his life. It is a bit of a rough road. Bless you for her care.

    Barb and the 4 chocolates
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2013
    Just got back from our appointment with Cardiologist and although I asked/prayed for some good news, it was not forthcoming. Our "girl's" murmur is now a 5/6 and she has some fluid building in her left heart chamber. Dr. Yuhas adjusted Rubie's medication some and added Lasix to help rid the fluid retention. We'll check with our local Vet after a week on the Lasix to monitor the Kidney functions and another blood test in a couple of months.

    Thanks to all for your concerns and prayers......
    Dwight
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2013
    Made appointment for Tuesday with Cardiologist.....will update at that time. Thanks everyone!
  • KarenS144's avatar
    KarenS144
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    I recently met my first Cav and she was a really cool dog. Larger than I thought and a great personality. I can understand why Ruby is such a special pup. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Ruby. I hope there is some way to manage her condition to give her the best quality and quantity of life she can have.
  • Cookielady's avatar
    Cookielady
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    We have 3 Chihuahuas, two have been diagnosed with an enlarged heart. The oldest one also has a collapsed trachea. They are on medication but I too am very fearful that it is only a matter of time. Please know that my prayers go out to you and your angel. I feel your pain.

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