We've basically had a repeat of the episode of a month ago. I could tell Ike was "off" this morning. Wasn't too excited about eating but, he did.
Then he wanted to stay outside, good indication he is not feeling well. Big boy HATE to make icky messes in the house and wills tay outside if he feels that he might make an icky mess.
He threw up. I threw on clothes, called Drb and informed them that we were on the way over. We got to their office, took Ike, weighed him, took his temp. Then were waiting for DrB... Ike started to lay down, making these awful breathy noises and he basically collapsed.
HE didnt' get up when DrB came in (very odd) and he didn't even twitch when we wheeled the big scary gurney right next to him (EXTREMELY odd).
X-rays showed more fluid around his heart. Not as much as last time but, it seems that the effects of the fliud were harsher this time (He never collapsed before).
We layed him on the floor and Drb withdrew 340cc of fluid. Then I took him to the diagnostic hospital for another echo-cardiogram (however you spell it!).
There is a possibilty that there is a tumor but that it was jsut too small to see last time. If not, we have to look at surgery... they will put a hole in the sack around his heart. THis will prevent the fluids from building up again. The Dr at the hospital was having problems getting a pulse from his extremities... not good.
They wanted to keep him overnight but, we decided that it wouldn't be best for him. He gets stressed when away from us... would potentially do more harm than good.
Thanks to all, in advance, for your good thoughts and pprayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about Ike.
I am praying for Ike, you and your family. I know many people here have said wonderful things about Dr.B and that he has had a lot of Great Dane experience so it seems you have him with the best vet.
I think it was very smart to bring Ike home to be in the comfort of his family. I can only imagine the fear, pain and worry you had today. I know you are taking extra special care of Ike and hope you'll do the same for self. Please let us know how things are going when you get a chance.
prayers coming!!!
Ike is a special and sweet boy! You are in my thoughts and prayers for sure! You are so lucky to have been there and knew the signs so quickly that he wasn't acting like his normal self.....great job getting him to the Dr so fast! I am so glad you were able to bring him home....he needs that safety and comfort more then ever b/c he isn't feeling well. Just being home and getting the treatments needed will make a huge difference on keeping Ike calm and able to heal. many, many, many prayers coming your way!
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~
Ike
Michelle, I am so sorry about all of this. He is such a sweet ol goober head. Hang in there. I know you are worried beyond belief right now. Please keep us posted.
Heather
Still no real answers
Ike had his sonogram... no visible tumor. That is good. Vet thinks that part of his heart my be enlarged... NOT good. We won't know for sure until tomorrow when the vet is able to review the sonogram and compare it to the last one (at least there is a previous one tocompare it to).
They they withdrew MORE fluid from around his heart... an additional liter and a half! My poor baby! That was in addition to the 340cc DrB drew this morning.
Ike is in his bed snoozing away. They wanted to keep him overnight but, we all agreed that would be a bit too stressful and not beneficial to him. He'll be sleeping with me tonight... unless he doesn't want to move. In that case, I'll be wedging myself into his bed with him!
I'm thinking positive thoughts tht Ike WILL be able to have the surgery to open up the sack around his heart and prevent futher fluid build up. ANd, that he'll come home to be happy and loved.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!
Michelle
hang in there~
Thank you for the update Michelle.....I've been praying for Ike and thinking about you guys all day!
Please keep posting as you learn more....and let me know if I can help in any way.
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~
You are taking such loving care of Ike...
...and I too have had him and you in my thoughts all day. Thank you for taking the time to post this update:) In this very difficult time I hope you are also getting loving care yourself.
Fingers and Paws crossed
We all have our fingers and paws crossed here for a good outcome. Keep us posted!
Janet
Mother to Duke and Misty
Ike
We are all keeping Ike in our thoughts and praying that he will have a successful outcome! Please keep us posted.
Cristina
Jack & Sydney's mum
Any update on Ike today?
my prayers are with you guys Michelle.....how is Ike today?
Give him a big hug and kiss for me!
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~
All our prayers!
All our prayers are with you for Ike!!! We hope they can figure this out once and for all and heal your sweet boy! We're so deeply sorry that you are all going through this!
Much love,
Ellen, Loyd and of course Jinxie!
How is he doing?
Keeping you and Ike in my prayers...hoping he improves.
Sara (Bubba Chad's and Shammy's mom)
Thanks to all of you
I am pleased to say that Ike is feeling great. He's happy and comfortable... which is wondeful! But, I know that evil fluid is rebuilding around his heart again... Early next week we will repeat the echocardiogram. While I was told, over the phone, that his heart wasn't enlarged, the report they sent me says differently. The right side is enlarged as is the valve. Now, they can't say that it's DCM at this point. But, it is a distinct possibility. *sigh* The good news in that is the DCM would take about a year to present itself fully. (Or, that's how I understood it)
Thank you for all the prayers.
I'm so happy to hear Ike is feeling happy and comfy:)
It sounds like there is some conflict in his test results which muct be frustrating and I hope you get some conclusive answers. Meanwhile, I'm sure you are enjoying this wonderful time with Ike comfy and happy.
What is DCM is an abreviation for?
good news
YEAH ... I have been so worried about him.... I hope this goes away and doesn't give you any more worries...
K
What is DCM? Dilated
What is DCM?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a primary heart muscle disease usually characterized by enlargement of the left ventricle. The muscle wall of the ventricle becomes thin and stretches, resulting in an enlargement and weakening of the chamber. The weakened heart muscle can no longer pump blood effectively. This causes a buildup of fluid in the lungs and elsewhere. It eventually leads to heart failure.
There is no cure.
Thank you for info.
I know at this time it is not clear if this is what is causing Ike's problems or not but after reading an article online it seems Great Danes are affected more than other breeds. Also, like there is no cue there is no clear cause either. Love and prayers for Ike.
I hope Ike gets better soon.
I hope Ike gets better soon. This sounds a lot like what my Kong went through. He did well for over a year with his heart condition before I lost him at almost 10years old. I'll be keeping Ike in my prayers.
Maria, Apache & Tyson