Brusco has DCM - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

DobieDiver · 12-06-2012, 10:39 AM

We got the dreadful news yesterday from the cardiologist that Brusco (just turned 6 on Monday) has DCM. We went to him because he had 2 episodes of near death. Both times I was there and gave a thump to his chest. My last Doberman, his grandfather died the same way. Never got CHF but sudden death.

I am so sad and not sure what to do. He has a holter on now to check for more PVC's. He did not have many on the EKG. His echo showed the L ventricle already very thin, but the rest of the heart not.

So the decision... do I go on meds and hope he lives a few more months or just let him go. I am so broken.

Michelle

VZ-Doberman · 12-06-2012, 10:48 AM

This is a very personal decision for you.

If it were to happen to my guy I would go on medication and as long as he had quality to his life I would continue that path. Once he no longer had quality I would say goodby to him and honor my promise to him.

Amelia_ · 12-06-2012, 10:57 AM

I'm so sorry for the diagnosis

All the best

Matt Vandart · 12-06-2012, 10:59 AM

MaxsMom · 12-06-2012, 11:11 AM

So sorry about the news of Brusco. I agree with VZ-Doberman.
Learn about DCM as much as you can before you make any decisions.
Hoping the best for Brusco.

DobieDiver · 12-06-2012, 11:30 AM

If your dog has DCM, what meds are most of your dobies on? My doc is recommending Vetmedin. Any luck with that? Not sure what he wants for the V-tach - waiting on the Holter results.

LindaH · 12-06-2012, 11:39 AM

That is really only a question you can answer for yourself. But I can suggest you pick out a couple or three things your boy loves to do and when he can't do some or all of them anymore, then maybe it is time. People usually "know" when the time is right to let a beloved pet go.

Whether you put him on meds or not is a personal decision.

I do know I would rather lose a dog from sudden death than CHF where they are drowning in their own fluids. That is a slow suffering way to go.

I am very sorry you are having to go thru this and sorry your boy has DCM.

Just read you last post. I do think vetmedin is the way to go. It has improved the quality of life and lengthened it in many dobermans. I haven't had a doberman with DCM yet, so can't advise much. Maybe more that have experienced it will help you out.

AlyssaN · 12-06-2012, 11:56 AM

I'm so sorry that you have to make that decision. I can't even imagine how hard it is.

Toby'shuman · 12-06-2012, 12:10 PM

I am so sorry you are both going through this.

I am so afraid of this disease, I hug my boy and listen to his heart and pray and pray it never gives out on him, that he never succumbs to this awful disease.

Hugs to your boy and of course you during this trying time.

DobieDiver · 12-06-2012, 12:24 PM

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I would listen to his heart all the time - nothing wrong until one horrible night! It comes on so fast and they go so quickly. It is ripping my heart out. I love my snuggle bunny so very much.

**PatchworkRobot** · 12-06-2012, 12:34 PM

I am so sorry that you're going through this. Hugs to you and your boy.

JobeyV · 12-06-2012, 01:18 PM

Hi, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. My boy was in CHF when he was diagnosed with DCM. He was also at risk of sudden death. He was put on Vetmedin, Frusemide, spironolactone & Fortekor(an ACE inhibitor) We chose not to give meds to help with the arrhythmia as quite frankly we were hoping that he would succumb to sudden death & not have to suffer the horror that is CHF. Alas, for my poor boy that's exactly what happened to him.

I will tell you though that my Homer walked into the vets a very sick boy & within a couple of days of being on Vetmedin he was like his old self again. He had great quality of life for the first 2 months or so & was able to do all the things that he loved doing the most. He still went for a short walk each day, played with his toys & would chase the cats from the garden. I made a promise to my boy that I would never let him suffer & I like to think I kept that promise to him.

IMO I would definitely give the Vetmedin a go, you've got nothing to lose by trying it & it may give you some real good quality time with Brusco. Please keep us updated.

Big hugs to you & Brisco.

DobieDiver · 12-06-2012, 01:54 PM

Thanks so much for your advise. While he is not in CHF at this time, all he wants to do is sleep. He is not his playful self. It would be great to have him play tug and suckle his stuffed toys again - and give me tons of kisses. He is too tired to be the Velcro dog is always was. I think we'll give it a go.

**dax0402** · 12-06-2012, 03:12 PM

I am so very sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you and Brusco. This is a horrible, horrible disease. Please keep us updated on your sweet boy.

dobiemads · 12-06-2012, 04:07 PM

I am so sorry your boy has this, my 9 year old girl was diagnosed with DCM and started on vetmedin and Frusimide 5 months ago and is enjoying walks and games.

I would give the Vetmedin a try as others have said you have nothing to lose and it will hopefully give your boy some more quality time with you.

Thinking of you both.

DobieDiver · 12-07-2012, 10:17 AM

Thanks again everyone. Had a scary episodes yesterday while wearing the Holter. He would try to get up and then not able to keep his legs under him. This lasted for several hours, then all of a sudden, he was able to get up, go outside to pee and ate dinner. This disease is so awful.

So, my husband dropped the monitor off and I guess I'll hear more in a few days. We did start the Vetmedin - but that is all. Maybe because he does not have any breathing issues yet.

Question - where do you get your meds? Which online site is best in your opinion?

His skin is pretty raw from the tape/shaving. What do you use on it? Aloe?

Sorry, so many questions..... you guys are great!

LindaH · 12-07-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DobieDiver

Thanks again everyone. Had a scary episodes yesterday while wearing the Holter. He would try to get up and then not able to keep his legs under him. This lasted for several hours, then all of a sudden, he was able to get up, go outside to pee and ate dinner. This disease is so awful.

So, my husband dropped the monitor off and I guess I'll hear more in a few days. We did start the Vetmedin - but that is all. Maybe because he does not have any breathing issues yet.

Question - where do you get your meds? Which online site is best in your opinion?

His skin is pretty raw from the tape/shaving. What do you use on it? Aloe?

Sorry, so many questions..... you guys are great!

I have never purchased vetmedin, but when I have to purchase large quantities of meds I go where there are the deals...geez, can't think of the term for it, but you get like a hundred pills for $10. Krogers, Walgreens, etc have these price deals. You might ask your vet where he writes prescriptions for those types of price breaks.

Someone will come along with the correct term...

Aloe sounds good as very soothing and I don't believe it would hurt if your boy licked it...ask vet to make sure no contradiction with meds.

dkkimmel · 12-07-2012, 12:57 PM

so sorry to hear this news yet again, I have used Vetmedin on several of my dobeswith DCM and it did seem to help alot. Because it is a vet product only you can not buy at local pharmacy. I know you can get it online for less then what the vet charges. Good luck you you and your boy make every moment count....

**dax0402** · 12-07-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaH

I have never purchased vetmedin, but when I have to purchase large quantities of meds I go where there are the deals...geez, can't think of the term for it, but you get like a hundred pills for $10. Krogers, Walgreens, etc have these price deals. You might ask your vet where he writes prescriptions for those types of price breaks.

Someone will come along with the correct term...

Aloe sounds good as very soothing and I don't believe it would hurt if your boy licked it...ask vet to make sure no contradiction with meds.

I get Baron's Sotolol at Walmart ($10.00 for 90 days) with his cardiologist's prescription. He also takes 2000 mg of fish oil a day.

DobieDiver · 12-07-2012, 07:30 PM

Brusco had a better day today. More energy after just 2 doses of Vetmedin! He seems to be constantly hungry. He had always been a great eater, but this is crazy! Has anyone else experience this?

Echo results worse than I thought - FS =12.7% Still waiting on the Holter results.

JobeyV · 12-08-2012, 02:46 AM

So pleased to hear the Vetmedin is working already & Brusco has had a good day.
Can't say that I noticed a change in Homer's appetite when he first started taking it, he had always been a good eater & continued to be until the beginning of the end.
It's great his appetite is good, it's so important he keeps eating.

dobiemads · 12-09-2012, 01:41 PM

I noticed Madison wanted more food after starting the meds, i used to feed her once a day but have now split her meals to 3 x per day as she was crying for food.

**dobegal** · 12-09-2012, 01:59 PM

I am sorry for what you are having to deal with. My best for Brusco

Andrea · 12-09-2012, 05:45 PM

First I am really sorry to hear about Brusco!
My princess, Bea, was diagnozed with DCM in August 2012.
She died thursday laying next to me in bed.

I added her medical reports and holter result to my website (the last one from last wednesday is still missing - will update tonight or so....).
Add. to the meds who are listed there she was also on Mexiletine.

Dobermannzwinger The lone star - Beatrice vom Elbauetal

Hugs!!!

DobieDiver · 12-10-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkkimmel

so sorry to hear this news yet again, I have used Vetmedin on several of my dobeswith DCM and it did seem to help alot. Because it is a vet product only you can not buy at local pharmacy. I know you can get it online for less then what the vet charges. Good luck you you and your boy make every moment count....

I'm so sorry for your loss. I am dreading everyday. Big hugs to you!