You and Katie are in ours prayers. It is so hard when our babies are sick and people who don't have pets sometimes say the wrong thing but I am sure your sister didn't mean to hurt you.

I'm so sorry for your bad news. I dont know anything about murmurs but, from what people are saying,it is something they can live,long normal lives with. Im hopingthat,for you also.You are in my thoughtsand we are all saying our prayers for you all.

I'm so sorry to hear about Katie's heart murmur...Hopefully the specialist will be able to pinpoint the problem and fix it. I know that there are lots of dogs just like people that have heart murmurs and live normal lives. Keep thinking positive thoughts. You and Katie will be in our thoughts and prayers!

Thanks for all of your kind responses. I've been reading and researching on-line all day. I've decided to take Katie to another vet (after I get her stool and blood test results back Friday night) for a second opinion -- probably on Monday or Tuesday. I am NOT going to tell this vet that Katie has a heart murmur. I want to see what he says first and then I will tell him about her situation. I'm going to bring her x-rays with me and the results of her 2 stool samples and blood test too.

If the blood tests come back with no answers (after I visit another vet for a second opinion), I may just go ahead and have an ultrasound done before having her x-rays and blood analyzed (sp) by a specialist. I want to cut out the middle man and get to the solution NOW. I hate this waiting and being in the dark! I've done a lot of research and according to all that I read (and other vets that I spoke to on the phone today), an ultrasound is the BEST test because it will tell us where and what the EXACT problem is. So let's keep our fingers crossed and please keep sending Katie prayers and good thoughts. I really appreciate the kind words.

Jen I know you are worried but our little Katie is a strong little girl. Try not to make yourself sick, because you know she will sense that something is wrong. I hope that the blood results show the vet what he needs to know to come up with a solution so that she doesn't have to be put through more tests. You know I wuv katie and codie like I do Coco, so I will be saying lots of prayers for both of them. You know I'm here for you, and will do whatever I can to help. Whatever you need babe. Coco sends slobbery/bite kisses to you, katie and codie.

Glad to hear you are getting a second opinion...do you know what vet you will be taking her too?? My regular vet and my ER vet in staten island is pretty good if you need his name and #. Let me know if you need any help!!

Thanks babe. You've been a big comfort to me today and last night when I called you up and was crying like a baby. Katie and Codie send you and Coco bear kisses.

I haven't picked a doctor yet but I'm more than willing to take Katie to Staten Island. Can you give me your doctors info? Thanks Sam, I don't know what I'd do without you and Maxi.

Oh Jenn, I'm so sorry to hear about poor Katie. I don't have any advice but will have you and i'll have you in my thoughts and prayers. :(

A Prayer, as promised for Katie. I bet if you say these Prayers Jen, you will be comforted.
Pray to the Patron Saints St. Francis of Assisi, St. Roch, St. Hubert.

Heavenly Father,
you created all things for your glory
and made us stewards of this creature.
If it is your will, restore it to health and strength.
Blessed are you, Great Spirit,
and holy is your name for ever and ever.

Heavenly Father, the bond we have with our friends of other species is a wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. They trust in us as we trust in You. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. Our souls and theirs are on this earth together to share friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and bless these ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have:


Katie,

Your goodness is turned upon every living thing; Your grace flows to all Your creatures; Your Light touches each of us with the reflection of Your love. Grant long and healthy lives to our special animal companions. Bless their relationships with us, and if You see fit to take them from us, help us to understand that they are not gone from us but only drawing closer to You. Grant our prayer through the intercession of good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all Your creatures. Empower him to watch over our animal friends until they are safely with You in eternity, where we someday hope to join them in honoring You forever. Amen.

I am so sorry to read this about Katie. Gus had a heart murmur - the vets were not sure if it was stress related or if he was born with it - he out grew it but it is always in the back of my mind. I ask my vet to listen to his heart at every visit. I really feel for you and will be praying for good news.

Im sorry to hear this and will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

I wish only the best for both of you and hope you find the best doctors around to give Katie all the special care she needs.

I am very sorry to hear about your little one. I wonder if indeed the heart issue is related to the weight loss and if it is really a coincidence she has blood in her stool. I think you are right to get a second opinion and I think I'd go for a specialist. Like many, I do what you do, use a very good dogfood, keep up with all visits, etc. and I know my vet goes the extra mile everytime there is some possibility of a problem, however remote. If you like, I'll give her a call tomorrow and pick her brain.

It would be awesome if you could call your vet and get her opinion! I'd really appreciate it! Any advice from anyone (especially a vet) is MORE than welcome. Thank you so much for the sweet offer.