Hi, you guys.
I'm not sure if any of you remember or know me but Leo has been diagnosed with DCM today and is fighting for his life. We are keeping our fingers crossed he survives these 24 hours in an oxygen chamber.
He is in a heart failure state.
They put him in the oxygen chamber.
His cardiology visit was scheduled in 2 weeks (general check up since he is 4), but I guess we were too late. He developed symptoms over night and is now fighting for his life in intensive care. They are planning to keep him there for 2-3 days (if he survives).
If he survives I just want to hear pointers about food regimens, supplements, and medication your vet prescribed your dog.
P.S. I'll update this thread as I go on. This happened today so I am finding it very hard to speak proper english as I am very nervous (I came from Russia).
We are in South Florida. Ft. Lauderdale and Miami area.
Our cardiologist is Dr. Nick Schroeder.
He is 4.5. I advent updated the age on the website.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Every single bit counts.
They finally stabilized him but he is still on oxygen.
Thank you, it means the world to a heart broken owner.
I lost my last boy 5 years ago to DCM/CHF. He was 7. When he was diagnosed the Vet put him on 4 different types of medication, Vetmedin(Pimobendan)Fortekor, Spironolactone & Frusemide. When it came to food/feeding he would eat his regular kibble just fine until the end was near. Then it became a job to stimulate his appetite. So I would tempt him with anything I could think of, chicken, beef etc, gravy, soups. I've seen people recommend wet cat food, strong smelling fish, hambugers, hotdogs, sugar covered cereals. Anything really, just to get them eating.
As the disease progressed my boy couldn't lay on his side due to the fluid build up. He would lay in what they call the Sphynx position. The dreaded coughing became more frequent, his gums were very pale & his ears & feet would feel cold to the touch. We let him go 4 months after diagnosis. We had reached the limit on his Frusemide & it was no longer effective. He spent his final night unable to settle at all with my husband by his side the whole night. He was euthanised first thing that morning in my sons arms with me by his side.
I'm so glad to see your boy has stabilized. Hopefully, whatever medication he gets will soon kick in & he will be able to go home with you.
Sending positive vibes to you & Leo, please keep us updated.
Oh, & you're doing just fine with your English. No worries there. :nicejob:
He made it through the night and they are saying his is stable. Ate his food this morning and urinated. He is still in the oxygen chamber as they are still very worried.
I went to the hospital today to speak to the new Dr. that changed over night (Dr. Schroeder won't be able to see him until Monday because he is at the vet conference and all other cardiologists were booked). The Dr in charge had 4 emergencies and couldn't speak with me but she will give me a call later.
Thank you so much everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to me and Leo at this difficult time. I couldn't sleep last night and been going in an out of crying episodes as I never went through this before. Leo is my first dobie and I love him very much so I'm trying to be positive and hoping he pulls through.
They are still trying to manage his heart failure. He is going for an ekg sometime in the next couple of hours. They will try to wean him off oxygen tonight so we are keeping our fingers crossed he will be successful.
Thank you for your positive thoughts and prayers.
Devastating. So sorry to hear. My boy was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, Had a slight cough, took him in as precaution. Diagnosed w DCM, gone 2 weeks later, 1 month shy of his 4th bday..I feel your pain. Unfortunately I bought my dog before I noticed an explosion of DCM cases on these message boards related to Maxim/Icarus/Gino lines. On the one hand not purchasing my pup would have only solved my problem, not his. So I am glad I had him even if it was for such a short time. But lesson learned the hard way, I would advise everyone, those dogs are beautiful but the lines are littered w DCM. It's not worth playing Russian roulette when you can lower the risk by doing enhanced due diligence.
Called the vet again. Waiting for the Dr to call me back.
Thank you Bigben. He is from the Del Nasi line which is known for DCM so it was always a concern of mine. Mine was a private rehome so I didn't know much about the lines when I got him just was giving him a home.
Dr called. They will take him down to 30% oxygen tonight and will try to wean him off completely at 6 am.
They took off the heart monitor.
Breathing is still slightly labored but he is improved and doing good so far.
Thank you very much for your support everyone. It means a lot to us.
Leo is still at 30% oxygen today but they are still trying to slowly wean him off. He ate and pooped today.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Just got off the phone with the doctor. Leo is still in oxygen and his condition is very severe.
They cleared the fluid in his lungs. But he is not out of the woods yet.
The only two good things are that he is eating (he loves food) and they are pretty surprised with him doing that well considering his current condition.
Leo passed away an hour ago. I am heartbroken and going to see his body now to say goodbye. I don't know how to feel or what to do.
He was my best friend and the best dog anyone could ever ask for. I am just happy he isn't suffering anymore.
I’m so sorry. I wish there were something I could say to ease your pain.
But he will always be with you in your heart; you will be able to remember the fun times with joy as time passes.
And he is no longer in pain and can run free.
RIP, sweet Leo.
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