Archie isn't feeling well these days....he had xrays a week and a half ago...at that time the vet said his heart was slightly enlarged and had what looked like a little fluid in it. So he wanted to rule out broncitis and put him on anti-biotics - they didn't work at all.
So we went back to the vet again and this time I asked for a different doctor who I had seen once before and liked her. She took more xrays and took me back to look at them. His heart is huge! it's on a slant because it doesn't fit in the space it should be. :w00t: She can't really see any fluid though.
She says he has heart disease and there's not much we can do for him. We are making an appointment up at Garden State Hospital with a cardiologist to get an ECG, that will give us more information about it.
He coughs all night long, the poor dude is tired all the time and his tail is down. You can just tell he doesn't feel good.
Here's my boy maybe five years ago:
Here he is last year (before he got his car canal removed in July)
And here he is now.
I know he needs a good grooming. He is going tomorrow all by himself, I was afraid to send him with the others last week, not knowing what was wrong with him.
Oh, and his ear is horrible!! It just doesn't ever get better.
I am so glad Archie was able to get an appt. soon! I was afraid since it is a specialist that you would have to wait a long time to get in. Keep us posted!
I love you Archie Dude! You keep on being strong. You've got this! I'll be thinking about you tomorrow while you're seeing your new heart doc and I'll be saying prayers too! We all will. Now, go give your Mom a kiss!
Pat, many many prayers for Archie that there will be a medication that can help with his symptoms and make him more comfortable. I'm so glad you're getting him in to see cardiologist so quickly-- hopefully you'll get a good regimen for him that will keep him going strong. Hang in there Archie-- your mommy loves you and wants you to get better!
Pat, just catching up (I rarely get computer time these days) and see that you are taking Archie to a cardiologist. James asks about him frequently - we hope that all goes well today and are thinking about you.
PAT! I can't believe I am just now seeing this! I'm sooo sorry to hear that Archie's been having some heart issues. I know how difficult this must be for you since he is your special little boy. I'm sending lots of prayers over for the Arch dude.
I just saw that you have an appointment today with the cardiologist. I will definitely be thinking of you and will check in for an update later today. All the best...hope all goes well!
We're back. So it seems Mr. Archie has a collapsing treachea causing his cough!!! ....and if it gets bad enough, they can put a stent in there to hold it open. ....and he hasn't coughed much yesterday and last night...because it's sporatic!! :thumbsup: ...he's never worn a collar, the doc says it can just happen with age.
He does have a very loud heart murmur (grade 5 out of 6), but it's not bad enough for him to even take any meds!! :chili: We have to go back in 3 months for a re-check, but I feel so much better now!!!
Pat - nothing like going to a specialist. :chili::chili: That's really good news as compared to worries that we had. So Archie and I have a whoosing heart (my mitral valve prolapse). I think mine is minor but I'm hoping that Archie starts to feel better.
My little Winston had a collapsed trachea too, he had from the time he was a puppy. It never became an issue for him, I hope it's the same with Archie.
Way to go Arch!!! So happy for you Pat. He's such a sweet boy, it was making me so sad to think that he might have been really sick! Give him a big hug!!
I rmember when Angel was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea and took her into our bathroom and but the shower on with the very hottest water. That creates steam and did help Angel out. She too did have a heart murmer. I was happy to see that Archie is doing better and perhaps you might want to try what we did for our Angel since it did help her out.
I am so sorry to hear that Archie is having issues. I hope the cardiologist is able to figure out a medical program that will make him feel better.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Maltese Dogs Forum : Spoiled Maltese Forums
1.5M posts
51.8K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to Maltese owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!