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*UPDATE My Henry has a heart murmur

16 years ago

Well we went to the Specialist yesterday - and not so good news. :( Henry's heart is quite enlarged, enough so it may be touching the trachea and causing him to cough. At this point I bust out crying and was barely able to talk. He didn't have any fluid - yet - but I gather that will happen soon enough and he will go into congestive heart failure. When I started asking about times - he said "Well he could have 2-3 years of a relativley good life, or something can happen in 6 mos - I just can't tell you." I have a strong feeling it will be shorter than longer - just by the way he said "I'm sorry." He put him on a trial of Enalapril - 1 a day for 4 weeks - to see if he gets more energy. But when Henry woke up this morning, he coughed, which he has never done except after his walks. So if he is coughing by this evening, I will notify the Dr since that is one of the things to watch out for. I am just sick over this - even though I had a feeling things were getting bad. I think 9 yrs old is just too young - he just loves life too much! Has anyone had any dealings with this medication? I know have to take it one day at a time and make sure he enjoys every day - and I will, he deserves it. Thanks for listening and for your prayers for Henry.

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Comments (5)

lostnca
16 years ago
Aww Finnie, Im so sorry to hear that. We had hoped it would be better news for you. Good luck with the meds trial.
Lorie
todancewithwolves
16 years ago
Dear Finnie, I know what your going through. I remember getting the same diagnosis with my dear Cocker, Jippy. But don't you fret! My dear Jip had an enlarged heart (twice the normal size) and lived a very long time, 15 years. Vets always give the worst case scenario.

Just love your Henry every moment of the day and spoil him rotten. Hang in there and prove to the Vet love conquers all. I've left my Vet shaking his head many times *lol*

The drug they prescribed works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. That's good news.

(((HUGS))) Edna

Here is a link that might be useful: Enalapril
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Well we went to the Specialist yesterday - and not so good news. :( Henry's heart is quite enlarged, enought so it may be touching the trachea and causing him to cough. At this point I bust out crying and was barely able to talk. He didn't have any fluid - yet - but I gather that will happen soon enough and he will go into congestive heart failure. When I started asking about times - he said "Well he could have 2-3 years of a relativley good life, or something can happen in 6 mos - I just can't tell you." I have a strong feeling it will be shorter than longer - just by the way he said "I'm sorry." He put him on a trial of Enalapril - 1 a day for 4 weeks - to see if he gets more energy. But when Henry woke up this morning, he coughed, which he has never done except after his walks. So if he is coughing by this evening, I will notify the Dr since that is one of the things to watch out for. I am just sick over this - even though I had a feeling things were getting bad. I think 9 yrs old is just too young - he just loves life too much! Has anyone had any dealings with this medication? I know have to take it one day at a time and make sure he enjoys every day - and I will, he deserves it. Thanks for listening and for your prayers for Henry.
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There is only one of you and your life is the result of the choices you make. PLEASE listen to the doctor. My husband has severe coronary disease with very bad circulation. He is not diabetic. However due to poor circulation, an ingrown toe nail he wouldn't see about was the start of his demise. The infection would not clear up due to poor circulation where not enough blood below the knee. After the infection, gangrene, and 5 surgeries, he only has a stump for a right leg. You are dealing with a serious problem. It will not go a way by itself. Have a pulmonologist do tests and find the problem now. How much can you enjoy your trip when you can't walk? Is it worth it? Why not get the tests, bypass surgery or medicine to help correct the problem, and then the trip? Life is too short as it is, don't give it up as my husband did. Can't go back and change the past. I sincerely wish you the best. Lynn
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finnie
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you Lorie and Edna - I so appreciate your words of concern and advice. It's very comforting when someone can know what you're going through. And let me tell you - if love can pull this dog thru - he'll be around for a LONG time! My son is coming home from college this weekend and he misses Henry so much. It's so funny to watch this big ole college kid play with this little Shih Tzu, but it may be just what Henry needs! (as long as they don't rough house too much...)

Thank you again and please keep Henry in your thoughts!

Mary
pranjal
16 years ago
(((Finnie & Henry)))

I was following your previous thread on this and hoping Henry would get well soon.

Edna's post is very uplifting. I know you'll follow her advice about spoiling Henry rotten :-)

I do believe that vets give us the worst-case scenario, and in this state of mind you're likely to assume Henry's life will be shorter rather than longer, but you now know what you are dealing with, and the results of the Enalapril trial are yet to be seen. Hoping the meds work, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Pranjal
finnie
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you Pranjal - you're very kind to think of us. Yes, I hope the meds work WONDERS!! I will try to be more positive - it's better for me and Henry.

Mary

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