We have the results of the heart workup, and the Z-Man has advanced heart disease (more advanced than they were expecting to find), as well as a stage six (of six) heart murmur. The chambers of his heart are significantly enlarged but he seems to be compensating. The vet wants us to keep him on the enalapril (ACE inhibitor) indefinitely, and we need to do blood draws to check kidney and liver function.
As well, he’s got dental issues. We went through the heart workup in part to determine if he CAN have the dental surgery to remove an abscessed molar that keeps swelling and oozing. (It’s OH so pretty.) The decision is that they’ll mask him rather than using injectable anesthetics, and monitor him closely, but they’re giving him a 50/50 chance of surviving the surgery. You can feel the murmur when you put your hand on his chest. It’s kind of creepy.
So, why do it, you may wonder? Because if we don’t the infection will linger, eventually spreading to his brain, and the tooth is causing him pain and discomfort.
And either way, our time with him is marked.
He’s not showing any real symptoms now that we’ve knocked his cough out. He’s a little slower, perhaps, and we’re lifting him onto the bed more, but he’s still feisty – picking on the big dogs across the fence, and growling at MissCleo when she tries to play too roughly.
We’re doing the dental stuff on Friday, February 15th.
I will probably be a basket case that day.
Oh, Melissa, Zorro will be in my thoughts, especially on that day.
Sending you are prayers for tuff days ahead . We as a family went through this Nov 06 with are dog Cody . They are real fighters and who knows he may surprise you how Quickly he will recover . Keep the positve thought going ,he is luckey to have such loving and caring owners .
GREG.
Awwww…I hope he does all right with the surgery. I know it’s a tough decision, but at least you’re giving him a chance at a little more pain-free time. I’ll have fingers cross on the 15th.
My prayers are with you and your lil Zorro. Wish I was there I’d grab you and Fuzzy is a real soul squeeze (BIG HUG)
Take Care,
Robert
Melissa, I’m thinking good thoughts for all you. I know how much you love the doggies.
Oh dear, I am so sorry. Big hugs to Z dog from the Goat Rodeo.
Melissa I hope Zorro does well. What a special person you are to care so deeply for your little companion. You are both lucky to have one another because I’m sure he loves you back just as much.
I hope he comes through the surgery okay. . . this is the worst part about falling in love with a four-legged friend. My thoughts will be with Z-dog.
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