[Pennysmommy]

Up until 4 weeks ago - we thought our 5 year old Yorkie Penny was in perfect health. I walked her 6 miles per day - 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening -she loved it and never ever had a problem either keeping up or with her breathing.....


Four weeks ago she started coughing for about 12 hours off and on - so being in a new city and having recently purchased a new puppy - we took her to the puppy's new vet for a check up. Imagine our surprise when we were told that our Penny had a slow heart beat - 44 BPM - (Bradycardia)-when it should have been approx. 150 BPM - Our new vet insisted that we take Penny to see the cardiologist.


Fast forward to this past Friday - we had consult with the cardiologist and after several recommended test - it was discovered that our Penny has an enlarged heart and a complete (3rd degree) Atrioventricular Block- which would require a pacemaker. In addition, there could be other issues as well. Which would require $1,000 worth of tests to determine if she would be able to make it through the surgery.


We've discovered that they believe the cough is due to how enlarged the heart is - pressing on her trachea - thus causing her cough. She I taking meds help suppress the cough - hopefully this will help.


After a lot of reading and consulting with the drs - we decided to not have the pacemaker surgery due to how risky it would be for our Penny in her advanced condition and the possibility of not surviving this surgery.


We are completely shocked and devastated by this diagnosis of Penny - never once did our Vet in Ohio prior to moving to Florida mention anything about a slow heart beat.


Thanks for reading our story - loving our Penny for what little time she may have left with us..


Pennys mommy