Update: Karma's appt with cardiologist yesterday;

Well we did an ultrasound, and Karma's walls were just on the edge of the maximum thickness.; .55.54.53 as measured in three different spots. So the concern the doc has is that we may be seeing the start of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. So he has some meds now, and we will retest in one year's time. The disease process varies by individual, some slow progresses and some fast progresses. She is hopeful though that if there is no change in one year, that this is just the "normal" for his heart.

I will of course communicate with his breeder as this is a dominant gene and is hereditary (although not with full penetration).

On tenderhooks
 

Alright I emailed yesterday Karma's breeder, I am on tenderhooks to see if Karma's parents are clear of this genetic condition.

I was told by the specialist that unfortunately the first sign of this condition is often when a cat drops dead!. Also that this is linked to irregular heart beats too:(

Okay I said to myself now Gail don't deep six over this. It is only a year, you can wait to see if ultrasound shows worsening of heart.

But what I can tell you, Razzle is NOT going to terrorize the cat anymore!

Praying that what the specialist is seeing is just "normal" for Karma and that his breeder has never seen this in his parents. Good thoughts coming your way.

Thanks Michelle. I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster ride. Heart meds for Karma, Zoey still needs to face her adulticide treatment, Magic's wonky liver panel and high ph in urine (TG at least I did the genetic test for hyperurocosuria) although that doesnt guarantee against all types of stones. Razz's low T4 still something I want to monitor.

Piffle and diddlely -

Yikes! I thought I was subscribed to this thread. I have not seen this in a while. I am so sorry, Gail, that so much just keeps being heaped on.
All I can say is I have a belief that when things like this happen....the good has to come and it will be so good. I always think that things go like that...lots of bad and then lots of good to follow! Just like the rain brings flowers! :)
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

thank you Linda; I do better some days versus others. I love my babies so much. I exercise, feed, train, wash n groom, always try to be on top of their health concerns, and I was so not ready to hear some anomalies in blood work et al.

I do trust and believe that the universe doesn't send me more than I can cope with.

I am so much on top of Razz so that he doesn't terrorize our Karma. I guess this has shown me to train more that brat. Karma is not supposed to get excited. I do think the pups know something is going on.

Poor Zoey in her crate first cause she is just coming out of heat, and then of course we want to make sure those nasty mosquitoes don t bite her.

Magic is a tad surprised that I am so keen on how and when he pees.

And Razz is still at the low end of normal for T4;s.

Well again my cup runneth over:(

Gail, we are never ready for any sick pups. You and 107barney are definitely getting hammered lately.
I just trust that all sorts of good things are going to come! You are long overdue.

Gail, you are such a wonderful mommy and as Linda said, you are long overdue for good things to come your way. I remember your kiddos in prayer in send good thoughts your way.:hug:

TG and the universe that you caught this in time! Keeping you and all your furkids in my thoughts and prayers.... and a big hug to you!

Gail, you have such a tender heart, and you always reach out to help others in need. You are kind, compassionate, and loving, and you freely give to others--to your family, your friends, and to those you don't even know because you are so caring. You have spent so much time learning what would be best for the care of your babies--for their health, temperament, training, and proper socialization. Magic, Zoey, Razzle, and Karma have such a loving, wise, devoted Mommy who will do everything humanly possible to give her babies the healthiest, most loving, active, and wonderful lives. I pray these are just blips in their life, and that you will have a lifetime of beautiful moments, magical memories, and wonderful health with them. I know you have been hit so hard, and it frustrates me so that I can't help you with all that you are facing. My heart is with yours, and I continue to pray for you, Dave, Judy, Magic, Zoey, Razzle, and Karma. You have a very beautiful family filled with so much love. I'm sure Dr. Jack is very impressed with how you go to the ends of the earth for your loved ones. I have great hope for your babies because they have your love, since it is very powerful. Enjoy today at your BRT event.

Thanks everyone for your support. Just a short update as I take a break from prep work for big BBQ this aft.

I heard from Ted Karma's breeder, both parents are clear of HCM. In fact he had both his breeding pair DNA tested for the gene, which neither had, and also he followed them up with Xrays for several years. He still owns Karma's mom and she is neutered now, and very well. He neutered the sire and is well and happy in a pet home. He also told me he is not breeding any longer, and was most supportive on his email.

Must run now. Once more your support is most appreciated.

Thanks

You definitely need a break.... kick back and enjoy that BBQ. Maybe you can get some one else to do the cleanup for ya!
Sounds like Karma's breeder is on top of things... I am sure he appreciated your efforts informing him.
A year is a long time before rechecking Karma..... I think if it was me, I would inquire in 6 months. They may be able to see if there has been any change...

Keep us informed, Gail!!! (I don't get on YT as much now that it is camping weather, but always check for your posts when I do!)
Hugs to ya Girl!

Thanks so much. Hey now, would you want to go to Gray Summit Purina Farms in Missouri mid Sept?. It is our BRT National and I plan on going but hubby will be out of town so we could share a room:D I'm bringing Magic and Razzle and your pups would be welcome too> I have all the show site stuff, awnings whatnot, generator fans, bbq, tables et al. We could have a blast together. Plus there will be dock diving on the Thurs! I'm entering Razzle in that:p

That's good news from the breeder. Just checking in to see how everybody is doing? Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers....Hugs,:D

Thanks so much for your kind thoughts. Well Zoey is the latest news; still no word from VEC as to when the adulticide will be available. Dr Jack my regular vet called today and had talked with OVC and they should be able to get the adulticide fast, he gave me the number of the vet tech there to talk with her. I called we had a good conversation; she will check with the specialist there to see if our treatment protocol is in line with their's vs a vs to give the adulticide within the next two weeks, and to see if they will be able to get the adulticide in by then. Apparently according to her knowledge, each adulticide is specially ordered per dog, after a report and blood titers are sent in. Wow, for a life threatening condition I just don't understand this process!. However having said that, last year there was a country wide survey of dogs tested for heartworms and dogs tested positive for same. Just published in the CKC magazine that I got. 368K dogs tested and 560 dogs tested positive. Somewhere around 141 dogs from Katrina tested positive. So despite the press the numbers show very few dogs tested positive. HOw ever Canada is like the USA in the rough ratio of about 15% of the population owns dogs. That would be roughly 4.5 million dogs, ummm and only 368,000 dogs tested for heartworm? Not a huge number.

Anyhow sorting through my options as I want Zoey to get the adulticide treatment within the next two wks or so.