Any veterinarian Freepers ? Need help / advice ! ( Vanity )

[fight_truth_decay]

Re: ultrasound

There are only approx 117 cardio vets in the country. I made use of one recently for my dog under another scenario; so researched. I lucked out as in a neighboring state was a traveling cardio vet from a veterinarian hospital that made visits several times a month to my state.

You get to watch how it works and are with the dog as well. At least I was. My vet recommended the cardio gram to make sure we knew how to treat the symptoms and/or heart properly. Cost was $250 approx. with pretty lengthly consultation. Not bad considering what yearly shots cost. Another visit due next year, so was very relieved.

Echocardiogram, performed by a cardiologist is the recognized gold standard to diagnose heart disease and heart failure. The following decision algorithm is provided as a tool to assist in determining which animals may benefit from CardioCare testing and to aid in the interpretation of a CardioCare result. http://www.housepetmagazine.com/03/Heart.htm

I started googling issues with my pet and found many who had the same identical issues.

Cardio vets do travel as can carry everything with them..like a lap top. Your vet does the referral. I researched and contacted my neighboring state's clinic, as well. We both worked together on getting the best care for my dog. Knowing all the options out there will relieve your anxiety. Dogs can live a longer healthier life now, as medications are available that are not yet available for humans..even treatment for senility, bladder control loss which had cost many pets their lives, now is treatable.

[fight_truth_decay]

RE: Boston Terriers

Sorry I did not catch you were in the boondocks, so to speak.

My dog is a bulldog so has about the same snout, noisy breather, barrel chest etc. An ever slight cough present is a symptom with fluid in the lungs. Difficult to describe a cough from a cold and a more serious heart related one. But there is.

They prescribed Lasix or Salix and an antibiotic to remove the fluid found and the infection and along with Xrays learned that even though part of the lungs were filled with fluid the part clear in the upper part of the lungs (important) was properly being cared for by the work done by the heart. The cardiogram gave a better picture of the heart which had a small leak, but being my dog is 11-12 and usually most healthy for her type would not risk surgery, plus no need. This was all an offshoot from a needed teeth cleaning with gas which lowered the unexpectedly (common I have learned now) pulse rate and set this all into a downward spiral..BUT now everything is back to normal.

I know we love our pets and want the best for them, now it is easier than ever to enable a pet to live a longer and healthier life. Now, if pet owners could react to changes in their(our) own bodies within such an emergence time-frame, as we do in dealing with our pets; then early detection, proper diagnosis and less invasive treatments would result in a much healthier human population.

[BIGJACKATTACK2]

enalapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor that is used for hypertension and congestive heart failure in people

[sushiman]

” Nice brindle. Looks like he’s getting a bit chunky! “

He was big when he was born . L size , just like his Dad . Vet says he is not overweight .

[Slings and Arrows]

Ping!

[SAWB]

I am a former vet, retired. It looks like vetvet in post 49 gave you some detailed advice so, rather than repeat his info, I thought I would describe in general terms how a vet diagnoses a problem.

1. Gather as much information as feasible on the symptoms. This includes a detailed history, physical exam, lab tests - which may be limited by cost, practicality and side effects. 2. Make a list of all possible diseases/conditions that could cause the symptoms. 3. Eliminate possiblilities that don't fit the symptoms.
Just based on your brief description I would include, as possible explanations (but not an exhaustive list):
1. heart and circulation problems including heartworms
2. nervous system problems including toxins and poisons
3. metabolic problems such as kidney failure, high or low blood sugar
4. endocrine problems or electrolye imbalance
5. vitamin / mineral difficiencies
6. cancer / tumors

It can get get challenging because, in older dogs particularly, a benign defect can lead you astray. For example, a dog may have a heart murmur that is not causing a problem but is incidental to the real problem.
Also, consider whether the spells are causing any detrimental effect other than making you uneasy. Unlike human medicine you don't need to feel compelled to resort to heroic measures to diagnose the problem. After spending several months and a certain amount of money, if the problem remains undiagnosed, it is ethically acceptable to let the dog live with the symptoms. My overiding question always was, is the animal feeling pain or discomfort? If no, then further treatment/diagnostics was at the owner's discretion. If the animal is in pain or discomfort, doesn't eat or drink or loses control over bodily functions then something must be done.

[sushiman]

Thank you thank you thank you one and all .

[poobear]

sushiman, it sounds like your dog is having seizures. Not uncommon in small hybrid dogs of his age. I hope you find a good doctor to help with his medication. These seizures can be regulated with certain meds.

Best of luck to you and your family.

[Dusty Road]

(The weird thing is , this NEVER happened UNTIL the day I shot the cap gun . As soon as I fired that shot he immediately went down .)

My cat “Jerry Lee” has been doing the same thing for about 6 years now. It always happens when he gets excited or scared. He will just lock up and fall over. His recovery usually takes 15 to 30 seconds and then he's fine, almost like it never happen. Our vet has been unable to connect this with any disorder. The good thing is, it doesn’t seem to effect his health in any way. We're just real careful about startling him or letting him get too excited. It's almost like the fainting goats I’ve seen video of.

[Twinkie]

I don’t know about grapes when given to dogs. My dogs, who will eat anything, won’t touch a piece of fruit of any kind anyway. It may be the chemicals that result from drying the grapes that cause the problem, I don’t know.

I suppose a dog would wolf down a piece of raisin bread or something like that, and sometimes little dogs will eat whatever they see their owners eating.