* this was posted on another forum at about 3 am. So the times mentioned are a bit off*
Rough nite. Just got home from 4 hours at the ER clinic.
Ike had been kinda off this afternoon. But, nothing that seemed in need of immediate medical attention, just a close eye . Then about 8:00 his tummy started looking distended, I told Craig time for the ER.... and, then Ike threw up. Good sign but, I"m not chancing it.
We get there, they take him back immediately. After tenty minutes...I'm asking, "can you at least ell me if he's bloating???"
They finally call us back.
The vet shows us his xrays! My poor baby's HEART! It's huge... she took a top view and his heart was completely filling the chest cavity, side to side.
The EKG is giving us nothing definitive. She tells us that's it either DCM or (sorry, the terminology is escaping me right now. As is my own birth date at this point) there is fliud around his heart.
Well... there is NO ultra sound available in the DFW on a Saturday night! And, those two conditions require very different treatments. AND, we have to do something... Ike's heart rate is now up to 210.
She hooks him up to and EKG and inserts a needle into his chest. Hoping to be able to remove fliud... but, going VERY carefully and relying on the EKG to tell her is she hits his heart. The procedure itself could have killed him.
She withdrew over a liter of fluid!
He's dehydrated, his white count is high and his heart rate is still a bit high (but, much better than before). He still has some gastro-intestinal issues but, he's not bloating. ANd, I'm praying that he doesn't... he couldn't take the surgery.
He has to spend the weekend at the ER. And, Monday he needs to go in for that ultra sound. We are HOPING this was a freak incident and that there isn't some nasty underlying cause... like heart cancer.
Yikes!
Just read this post!! I hope to goodness this was one of those things that passes and everyone can go on with life as usual. How is Ike doing today? Any other test results that are being waited on?
Cristina
Jack & Sydney's mum
Any Update?
How is Ike doing?
Judy, Scooby, and Daphne
What a difference a day makes!
Last night, about 11:30 Ike actually got off his bed and came in to lay on the COUCH! damn skippy, I am extremely easy to please these days!
This morning he had a full meal. And, then managed to spend a little time at the bay window, barking and growling and the evil passers-by!
His clotting test came back good, now we wait on the tick disease test results. I'm getting the feeling that this was one of those "It just happened" (idiopathic) things. Ultimately, that is the best case scenario...however, it really isn't a very satisfying explaination.
Regardless, I couldn't be happier! Don't think Ike could either... well, I take that back. If his Daddy was home, he'd be the happiest dog on the planet.
Thank you all so very much.
Good news!
Ok....! There is no visible sign of a heart tumor!!!!! Now, it is possible that that there is a tumor there but, its too small to see. I prefer to think the best.
We are still waiting for a few test results to rule out tick disease or clotting problems.
If those are clear then this will have been an idiopathic episode.
Ike had pericardial effusion and resulting in cardiac tamponade. Basically, the the sack surrounding his heart filled with fluid. It was SO full that it prevented his heart from filling and working properly. As a result, he had a back up of fluid in his abdominal cavity as well.
There is still some fluid around his heart. Until we get the other test results back, we cannot assume that the fluid isn't left of from the first episode. It makes sense that is could be left over, when they tapped him, he was laying on the floor, very possible that they weren't able to remove all of the fluid from the sack. But, I don't' want him to be tapped again until we get the other tests back. That procedure is pretty dangerous... The remaining fluid is no danger to him and is causing him no discomfort.
Ike is resting on his bed now. He's pretty doped up...so, no food until that wears off a bit. Joey STILL doesn't know what to think. And me? The relief is indescribable!
There could still be some problems... but, a heart tumor was our worst fear and the most common cause.
Thank you ALL for your prayers and concern. Now, I"m gonna go crawl into Ike's bed with him and take a NAP!
ditto
on the thanks for the update. we were very concerned about your poor ike. hope the issue resolves itself without any further procedures. it's so hard to make these guys go thru anything when you can't explain to them what's going to happen and why.
hope you got to take a nice long nap with ike by your side.
My goodness
Thank god you have some good news - I can't imagine how scared you must have been. Keep us updated as you find out more and give Ike lots of hugs and kisses from all!!
Sandi, Dharma, and Logan
Thank You
I know how exhausted you must be, but thank you so very much for taking the time to update us on Ike's condition. All fingers and paws are crossed at this house for a full recovery with no other conditions...your family and Ike will be on my mind and in my thoughts and prayers....enjoy your nap with Ike...
Judy, Scooby, and Daphne
Thank you so much!!!
I'm so happy that you have updated everyone with Mr. Ike's condition.......he has been prayed for a lot today:)
We'll keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers for all his tests to come back 100% fine.
Hope your nap was wonderful .... I'm sure you needed it!!
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~
Yay! So glad to hear this.
Yay! So glad to hear this.
Prayers for Ike
Michelle, Y'all will definitely be in our thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there's anything we can do.
Kim
Mom to Furgus & Mazy!
Many Prayers
Oh Michelle, I know this had to be a really tough weekend for all of you...I am putting Ike and your family to the top of my prayer list. Ike is so wonderfu (I always think of Ike when I see a button. I loved that button I LIKE IKE!)...I am praying that this is just a one time event...please keep us updated and we all care very much!
Judy, Scooby, and Daphne
Oh no!
Poor Ike! Poor you! How is he doing today?
Our thoughts
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. What a terrble time.
any update on Ike today?
Just praying for him....and hoping he's doing better after your horrible scare. Hope he's better really soon!! Hang in there.
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~
Sending it all
prayers, hugs good karma licks and heathy thoughts
Yikes! Oh Michelle, I'm so
Yikes! Oh Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about this. You guys must be so worn out and worried. I sure hope he's going to be fine. He's such a good boy.
I am so very sorry
Prayers sent. Please keep us updated on him. I'm so glad you were home and were able to rush him to the ER!
So Sorry!
How strange and sudden this is...you did the right thing getting him immediate help, that tends to make a big difference!
We are sending lots of love and prayers and good energy for Ike and you!!!
Love,
Ellen, Loyd and of course Jinxie
prayers for Ike & for you guys too.
I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers...for sure!
How scary and awful .... just know that we're thinking of you and sending good wishes your way.
Stacey
~in memory of Moose~