Topper has heart disease :(

[<3Emi&Topper<3]

I took our 8yo Blue Merle, Topper, to the new vet yesterday for his shots and a check up. I was telling her how I had to give him doggy cpr/mouth-to-snout a couple months ago because he choked on a treat and passed out. After listening to his chest she said he had a heart murmur and very weak pulses and that was probably why he choked and passed out so easily. He's also quite a bit overweight. He's only 14" high and weighs 29.5lbs. They took xrays and his heart is enlarged on the right side and his lungs are congested. There's also a fuzzy area on the top of his heart (between his heart and his spine) they can't see yet. Don't know if it's because his lungs are congested or something more nefarious. We'll repeat the xrays in a month to see if the meds are helping with the congestion. The xrays also revealed a congenital deformity in his spine. He has 3-4 fused vertebrae that are arthritic, so no jumping, wrestling, or stairs for him.

He is on Vetmedin, Enalapril, Salix/Lasix, baby aspirin, and some biotene gel for his teeth (since he can't be anesthetized to have them scaled due to his heart).

[Ann]

I'm sorry to hear about Topper's health issues. It can be difficult to exercise them when they have heart problems, but perhaps your vet can give you some guidance on how you can reduce his weight. That will probably help at least his arthritis. I hope he does well on the meds and improves. Sending you good thoughts!

[mellie]

Praying that Topper responds well to the heart meds. Maybe some of his extra weight is due to the congestion and maybe he will drop a few pounds as the meds take affect. Hang in there for you dear friend.

[dawns2shelties]

Sending prayers the meds help your Topper.

[Chris]

Bless Topper's little heart! I sure hope he feels better with his meds -- and all the love we know he gets.

[dblock]

oh poor Topper, Beau says to give kisses

[jomuir]

Wow I bet you were surprised at this news . Topper is so young, I hope meds & vet treatment can help him live a long happy life with you. I will be saying a prayer for Topper today.

[Mally's Mom]

Topper is in my prayers, as well.

Do keep us updated on how he is doing when you can. Thanks.

[susanmccain]

Sorry to hear about the problem that Topper is experiencing. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.

[<3Emi&Topper<3]

Unfortunately Topper did not have much improvement at this week's vet appt. She increased is lasix and other heart meds and added carpequin for his mobility issues. It looks like he will never be able to be anesthetized so it's all about making him as comfortable for as long as possible now
He does enjoy the heated seats in the truck though.
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