Fast forward to this past fall and she developed a
cough. We always knew that a cough could
indicate heart failure, but the vet diagnosed her with kennel cough, which was
quite weird since she is not around many other dogs. But the first course of antibiotics seemed to
work. Then she got a cough again around Thanksgiving, and was prescribed more
antibiotics, but this time they didn’t work.
Back to the vet and they suggested we go see a cardiologist at the NC State vet school. We’re lucky to
have the finest doctors here, as many people will travel far distances to get
to a veterinarian at NC State. This was
happening around Christmas and the earliest appointment I could get was January
21.
Then New Year’s came and she was much worse. Still coughing, generally uncomfortable and
then one Sunday night she was really struggling to breathe. Marty called one of my athletes who is a vet,
and she immediately called in a diuretic for Tassie as she was positive she was
having pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
After giving her this, within 20 minutes she literally collapsed into a
deep sleep on the floor. Poor thing was terribly exhausted.
My athlete was able to get Marty and Tassie in the very next
morning and she diagnosed her with congestive heart failure. I can’t thank her enough because over the
next few weeks we were texting and emailing her constantly trying to get her
meds right. We debated back and forth
about keeping the NCSU appointment because at this point what could they really
tell us? But getting an echocardiogram would show us much more about how her
heart has progressed and what stage she is in.
It would give us a better prognosis and allow the doctors to prescribe
the correct dosage.
I ended up taking her yesterday as Marty was dealing with
Logan and some dental issues (a whole other saga). The people were absolutely
awesome – it is a school so there was a 4th year and 1st
year student sitting in listening as well as a veterinarian who was a wealth of
knowledge. Her own dog actually just went through this exact thing and she could
definitely relate. I was pretty upbeat
going in there – Tassie is the same Tassie she has always been. When I walked in with her someone even asked
if she was a puppy because she was so excited and wiggling at every new person
that walked by.
I left after the initial consultation and went to work while
they kept her for the echocardiogram. They called and said I could come back at
3pm and would I like them to go ahead and fill the prescriptions as some had
changed. That was my first clue that this was not going to be a good return
visit. She was already on heart failure
meds so increasing dosage and adding new medications didn’t seem like a move in
a positive direction. But, I rationalized, maybe they were just zeroing in on
exactly the right stuff she needed.
I got there and was a bundle of nerves. I knew
that this was an inevitable scenario ever since Tassie was first
diagnosed. I had also googled enough
that once a dog is diagnosed with CHF that the prognosis is not good. But I
also did read that some dogs lived several more years and kept hearing that the
fact that she had responded so well to the meds and she was in great shape were
good signs. I waited for just a few
minutes before the cardiologist came in and she starts off by telling me that
Tassie is soooo sweet and such a beautiful dog. But her heart is very, very
bad.
So those were not the words I was hoping to hear, and it was
hard to keep the tears from flowing. The doctor was very thorough and super
nice and sympathetic. She drew me a diagram and showed me the echocardiogram
and allowed me to cry and cry. The gist
is her left atrium is 30% too large, over 50% of her blood is not getting out
of the heart, and blood is seeping into her lungs. Prognosis she said, was 6 months, to maybe a
year (but I almost feel as though she said that for my benefit). She said that if Tassie wasn’t on any
medication, she would die in a couple of days.
Treatment is medication (lots) and monitoring her until we
feel her quality of life has gone down too much. Then we can make that awful decision of
putting her down. She also could die suddenly, which actually seems more likely
at this point with the shape that her heart is in. They saw some irregular heartbeats on the echo,
so sudden death is a definite
possibility. I’m not sure which is worse.
But, until then, we will continue to love her as we always
have. And be thankful for the time we have had with her. She is the greatest
dog.
5 comments:
Excuse my language, but that shit is the worst.
I feel for you, cuz I had to see my wife while we put pets of ours down.
No words of wisdom as is normal, but I feel for you bri.
Nothing I can say or do to make it easier. That is the job of time. :)
Been with you for a while, and it isn't cuz I don't give a crap.
Xo
I'm really sorry to hear that. It's rough having to deal with sick pets, since deciding when to put them down is so hard. At least, she's had a good life with you guys.
Oh Bri. I was so sad reading this! I am really glad I got to meet Tassie, so many years ago. I hope you guys still get some good quality time with her for a bit longer. Thinking of you tons!
Oh Brianne, you had me bawling half way through. I am so very sorry. It is so darned hard! But I can't imagine a pup having a more wonderful life then you and your husband have given this beautiful girl. I know when the pain is over you will celebrate all the joy she has brought you. And you are so sensible and kind to love her until her quality of life is not there. Sorry so long. But you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh boy i am so sorry. I am friends with Kari and i know about Tassie and of course have read your blog. Bless you and i hope you can find some acceptance in something that is so hard.
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