From:
Mary Alvarez-Cabreras
Date: 2002-01-15 10:25:00 UTC
Subject: Veterinary Update on Chewy Fwd: ERRATIC BREATHING PROBLEMS
Greetings All:
Our trip to the Vet this Saturday past found that Chewy's in pretty
bad shape. He has Cardiomyopathy which was causing fluid to build
up in his lungs, as was suggested by Dr. Williams and others on the
list. The X-Ray of his chest showed that his heart is enlarged and
he only has one clear lung, the other was filled with fluid. He was
given an injection of Lasix and is getting it orally three times a
day (along with Amoxcil). His Vet offered to admit him for two days
but unfortunately I live in another state and returning to pick him
up would have been impossible until the end of the week and that was
not going to happen, not to mention the cost, and especially because
I couldn't imagine him being alone with strangers. Thank God, he
did pass the 48 Hour Danger Zone and he's doing better.
He needs a sonogram done on his heart so there'll be a clearer
understanding of which medications will work better for him. I'm
paying close attention to his breathing, at the moment his breaths
are short and quick but as he improves the Vet stated they should
become deeper and longer. The Lupron that he was on was stopped
because it wasn't working for him at all. I myself stopped giving
him Pediapred about two weeks ago because I felt as though it was
affecting his stomach, and the Vet agreed with my decision because
it actually raises the blood pressure (and he doesn't need that
right now!).
Chewy is eating very well as always, he actually gained weight since
last month, which isn't necessarily a good thing but my boy LOVES
food and I'm thankful that he can still enjoy it. He's still walks
around alittle bit even though he stumbles and has trouble with his
hind legs every now and again. His energy is very low, as his Blood
Glucose has been in the 40's (even with the Pediapred) for a few
months now but he's learned to cope with it.
My poor little guy is going through alot (Adrenal Disease,
Insulinoma, and now Cardiomyopathy) but you would never really know
it, he's always so quiet and has nothing but kisses to offer. He's
really tough and I'm learning alot from him. For now, I guess we
all have to remember that Life is precious and we'll all go through
hard times in our old age (except we won't look as cute!).
PS: Please know that all the sick little fuzzies you guys have out
there are in my prayers!
Take care,
Mary &; Chewy
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