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Donovan's heart...

Discussion in 'Senior Sheltie Health' started by Henrie Lee, Dec 9, 2020.

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  1. Henrie Lee

    Henrie Lee Forums Novice

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    I don't know if I've ever posted before. If I have, it's been a long time. My sweet boy Donovan is turning 11 this Friday. A week ago I noticed his breathing and heart rate seemed abnormal when he crawled under the blankets and snuggled up to me. My friend (a shelter vet) that we're staying with checked his heart and said he has a heart murmur.

    I made an appointment with his vet for the very next day. It was so hard not being able to go into the vet's office with him because of covid precautions. They took x-rays and ran bloodwork. His bloodwork was normal, but his heart is enlarged. So far there is no sign of fluid in his lungs. He's still running around, playing, and happily eating his food. They suggested an echocardiogram, but we can't get him in until a month from now. I'm so worried about him...

    Donovan was my first soulmate, my first heart dog. I've had him since I was 18 years old. I brought him home as a tiny puppy a little less than a year after my mom passed away. He helped me so much with the process of grieving the loss of my mother. He has been there for me through so much in my life now. I wouldn't have made it this far without him and his sister-friend, Reese. Words cannot describe how much I love them, and how much they mean to me. But I know that so many of you understand.

    Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
     
    Henrie Lee, Dec 9, 2020
    Henrie Lee, Dec 9, 2020
    #1
    KarenCurtis, Sandy in CT, Ann and 3 others like this.
  2. ghggp

    ghggp Moderator

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    Dear Henrie,
    I am so sorry your sweet soulmate Donovan is not feeling well. Understandable that you should be concerned! We all are lamenting our inability to go into the vets office with our little ones. Especially those that are ill and not just getting normal routine exams or shots.
    We will most certainly keep you in our thoughts and prayers! Virtual hugs to yo both!
    Our little rescue Jasmine had an enlarged heart and she was put on meds that helped. Hopefully this will be the care for Donovan.
    I completely understand him being your heart/soul dog. Even though we might have had other dogs during our lifetime, one dog that is extra sensitive to us or helped us through very difficult times stands out as the support and love we needed the most! For that we are truly blessed! Keep us posted! :hugs
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2020
    ghggp, Dec 9, 2020
    ghggp, Dec 9, 2020
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    Henrie Lee, KarenCurtis, Sandy in CT and 6 others like this.
  3. trini

    trini Premium Member

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    Gloria says it all so beautifully. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beloved Donovan. I have had Shelties in the past dx'd with enlarged hearts in their senior years and with medication and monitoring of exercise they have had good quality of life for a long time post dx. Our Rascal had a happy 3 years post dx...and I pray this will be the same for your Donovan.

    Trini
     
    trini, Dec 9, 2020
    trini, Dec 9, 2020
    #3
    Henrie Lee, KarenCurtis, Sandy in CT and 6 others like this.
  4. Chris

    Chris Premium Member

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    Heart meds have come so far! Our cat Louis has the same condition, and he's doing great! Praying for the same for Donovan.
     
    Chris, Dec 9, 2020
    Chris, Dec 9, 2020
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    Henrie Lee, KarenCurtis, RikyR and 5 others like this.
  5. Sharon7

    Sharon7 Moderator

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    Yes, heart medications can help. Murmurs are graded on a scale, so your vet should be able to give you a better idea where Donovan is in his illness. I hope you have much more good quality time with your beloved boy. Please reach out if you need support from fellow Sheltie lovers, we've all been there. It is so heart-wrenching when they have health issues.
     
    Sharon7, Dec 9, 2020
    Sharon7, Dec 9, 2020
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    Piper's mom, Henrie Lee, KarenCurtis and 4 others like this.
  6. Hanne

    Hanne Premium Member

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    Henrie I will do :hugs
     
    Hanne, Dec 9, 2020
    Hanne, Dec 9, 2020
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  7. Sandy in CT

    Sandy in CT Premium Member

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    Prayers go to Donovan and to you as well!

    I have an aging doxie - 12 - it is sooooo very hard. My thoughts are with you! I hope you are able to get answers and some help. So many here have so many experiences to share; I hope you get some help from SN folks as well.
     
    Sandy in CT, Dec 9, 2020
    Sandy in CT, Dec 9, 2020
    #7
    Piper's mom, Henrie Lee, KarenCurtis and 1 other person like this.
  8. Henrie Lee

    Henrie Lee Forums Novice

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    Thank you everyone for your kindness. It means so much to me. I'm glad to hear that there is hope for him to live a happy life for at least a little while longer. I'm anxious for him to get on the right medication(s) to slow the progression of heart disease. My vet friend said his heart murmur sounds like it's at a 3. His regular vet didn't specify, but I admittedly forgot to ask because I've been in shock. I forgot to mention in my original post that his x-rays were looked at by the vet, but they also sent them out to a radiologist for a more thorough look. We haven't heard back from them yet. They said we should be hearing from them tomorrow, so I'm hoping for the best.
     
    Henrie Lee, Dec 9, 2020
    Henrie Lee, Dec 9, 2020
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  9. Cindy

    Cindy Premium Member

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    Every day with our senior babies is a blessing. Gavin's illnesses and problems have made me focus more on helping him life his best life. I don't know how much longer he will be with me, but he will be as happy as I can make him. A dog stoller and even a wheelchair have helped him make it this far.

    I hope you and Donavan have many more years. Any sheltie that snuggles under the covers with you knows how much you love him!
     
    Cindy, Dec 10, 2020
    Cindy, Dec 10, 2020
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  10. KarenCurtis

    KarenCurtis Premium Member

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    KarenCurtis, Dec 10, 2020
    KarenCurtis, Dec 10, 2020
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    Henrie Lee likes this.
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