Heart Murmur ans Luxating Patella

[mistyblue]

I have a new baby, she is 12 weeks old. I got her from a small, reputable breeder (at no cost) due to her health issues. I was told that she has a heart murmur and luxating patella. My vet confirmed both. I'm scared, not having dealt with this before. Any suggestions/advice?

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by mistyblue

I have a new baby, she is 12 weeks old. I got her from a small, reputable breeder (at no cost) due to her health issues. I was told that she has a heart murmur and luxating patella. My vet confirmed both. I'm scared, not having dealt with this before. Any suggestions/advice?

that was sweet of you to take the pup even though it has these issues. What does your vet recommend? Layla has luxating patella... stage 2... but since it doens't bother her... we don't have to worry about it right now. And I personally have a heart murmer and the only time that becomes an issue is if i'm going to have an operation.. and even then, the anesthesiologist just wants to know about it. I'm sure you will get plenty of negative posts on here (sadly there is little we can do about that) but it is not YOUR fault this pup was born this way and it is a big task you have taken on but unless either of these are causing current issues in your pup... i think all is well for now Can we see pictures of this special little thing?

[jim n]

I think that's great that you took the puppy knowing it was not 100%. I'm sure it will get the best of care with you. As far as suggestions, I would find a vet that I am totally comfortable with and follow their advice to the letter. As far as possible negative comments from some of the members, they're just their personal opinions, take them for what they're worth....nothing.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by mistyblue

I have a new baby, she is 12 weeks old. I got her from a small, reputable breeder (at no cost) due to her health issues. I was told that she has a heart murmur and luxating patella. My vet confirmed both. I'm scared, not having dealt with this before. Any suggestions/advice?

You have a big heart and I'm sure you have lots of love to give this pup. Hopefully it will not become a problem for you. I have never encountered either problem, so I cannot give you any advice, but be prepared by asking your vet all of the questions you have and reading up on both issues. The more educated you become on these topics by reading about them, the more prepared you will be to ask the pertinent questions of your vet. Take care and keep us updated on how your pup is doing. Pictures, too!

[Yorkieluv]

My yorkie had a heart murmur when he was that age too...The vets said it may or may not go away, and it did!!! He is now 4 yrs old and has no heart murmur. Thank goodness
How bad are the luxating patellas? Is it mild or does it cause the baby pain?

[Ladymom]

Some puppies have what is called an "innocent" heart murmur that goes away by the time they are about six months old. Did the breeder take the puppy to a cardiologist to have her heart evaluated? Then you would know if you were dealing with something serious or not.

Did she have her vet grade the puppy's knees? If the luxation is low (grade 1 or 2), most likely she won't need surgery if you are careful about not letting her jump up on furniture.

[mistyblue]

Thank you all so much for your kindness, advice and concern. I suppose I should have worded my request a bit differently (especially for those with negative remarks: "You consciously took on a sick puppy and NOW you you're asking these questions? I have to stop breeding or go nuts. *************** " PLEASE! rolleyes In response to your particular comment; Yes, I took on a sick puppy even though I've not personally dealt with such issues before. As in ALL cases, every living being deserves to be loved and cared for regardless of their circumstances. The breeder was very up front about her condition and asked if I might be interested in caring for her. FYI: I also adopted a baby girl whom I knew up front had several serious health issues. No, I had never dealt with those issues but I loved her any way! We learned how to handle and care for her "issues" as we went along...Need I say more?

I suppose that I should have asked if any one else had dealt with any of these issues directly. Of course I have already consulted my Wonderful veterinarian and his very capable staff the day I picked her up. They are all very positive, honest and supportive. An update: Lilly saw the Doc again this morning and she is doing well. The heart murmur is "very strong" but it could very well go away or get worse, only time will tell. Her back legs are both affected and Doc suggests surgery on the right rear when she's a bit older as she is very tiny at this point and he wants to watch her a bit more first. Her legs cause her no pain or distress. She is very lively and a joy to be with! She has gained a tiny bit of weight, she's up to 2.4 lbs. Yeah Doc says she may not get much bigger due to her health issues but she's doing just fine. So, we will continue to watch her closely, follow all recommendations of our Vet and love her for as long as we are blessed to have her with us.

Will post pics as soon as I can...Thank all of you, again

[Patti]

I am glad you took that little baby and will get her the care she needs. Hopefully it will be minimal and more just haveing your vet check her out more frequently. Can't wait to see pics.

[belindaY]

My initial reaction to the post was that this special needs puppy had gone home with someone who had not a clue about the time and money this puppy will likely require to maintain a nice quality of life. Lucky for the dogs there are people like you out there who are willing to do what it takes and risk the heartache with the sickest ones. My sincere apologies.

[yorkieusa]

I love the name Lilly! It's a beautiful name. Thanks for the update and I hope you continue to keep us updated on her progress (with pictures).

[Amazing Yorkies]

Bless your heart for taking on the needs of this special little girl. Some murmurs get better with age, but if it doesn't my Mom has a little girl with a bad murmur and she is now 5 yrs old and never slows down. We almost forget she may be ill.
Be careful with stairs and jumping off furniture, Trust your Vet, and Most of all enjoy your little girl!
Thank you for homes like yours!

[mistyblue]

Thank you to all of you for your care and encouragement. I have only had Lilly with me now for about 3 weeks and she has already claimed my heart. She is doing very well. I find myself watching her like a hawk (can you say over protective Mom...lol). She loves my daughters little kitten. When they were introduced they curled up together in Lilly's new pink fur bed.

ps: belindaY...thank you so much for the apology. Most folks don't take the time and me too.

I have now have pics and will try to attach them here.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by mistyblue

Thank you to all of you for your care and encouragement. I have only had Lilly with me now for about 3 weeks and she has already claimed my heart. She is doing very well. I find myself watching her like a hawk (can you say over protective Mom...lol). She loves my daughters little kitten. When they were introduced they curled up together in Lilly's new pink fur bed.

ps: belindaY...thank you so much for the apology. Most folks don't take the time and me too.

I have now have pics and will try to attach them here.

Lilly sounds totally adorable. I could picture her curled up with the kitten through your description. You do become protective of these little one's and even more so if they become ill. If you try to attach pics, don't forget to resize them down. They will be too big if you don't.

[mistyblue]

My little Lilly is gone. She started having trouble breathing last night and I rushed her to our Vet. She had a collapsed trachea caused by a severly enlarged heart. Doc said there was nothing that could be done due to the severity of her condition. We knew she had major health issues but I really didn't expect to lose her so soon and so suddenly! I can't stop crying!

Thank you to all of you who responded to my earlier questions and bless all of you and your babies.

Lilly's Mom

[Yorkieluv]

I am sooo sorry to read this...You must be absolutely heartbroken, as I could tell how much you loved her already. You did the best that you could...
R.I.P. sweet Lilly