Please pray for Chelsea

[KJLive]

Originally Posted by BonBon

I talked with the specialist again, as a follow-up on Chelsea, and he said he graded her heart murmur a 2 out of 5. Dr. Hodges said it's not likely it'll ever turn into a problem.

I also questioned him on whether we should be doing additional testing and he was confident in the original instructions he gave me. He said we're doing what he would be doing if Chelsea were his. He does not know what caused Chelsea's collapse but strongly suspects that she managed to swallow something that first morning, as unlikely as I thought that was. Given that Chelsea is eating/drinking well, has had no diarrhea/vomiting, and her abdomen appeared normal upon exam, Dr. Hodges feels a GI issue may still be a slight possibility but he doesn't think it likely.


Chelsea has had no further episodes and seems to back to her old 'wild child' self. Her pulse has been strong and steady ever time I've taken it. So, I am to continue watching her and monitoring her pulse while I pray she did get into something and this was just a one time thing. It seems no matter how careful I am, I can't be careful enough.

Thank you again for all the prayers and well wishes. Chelsea sends wet puppy licks to you all.

Bonny

That's great news, Bonny. Yep a Grade 1 or a Grade 2 is generally no cause for alarm. Now or in the future. I'm so glad she's back to herself and let's hope that it was just something she seemed to get her little paws onto that morning!

[lisaly]

I'm so happy to hear that Chelsea is better. I continue to keep you and your babies in my thoughts and prayers.

[ladyjane]

You are a good mom, Bonny! Chelsea is lucky to have you! You and Chelsea have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be so.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by BonBon

The specialist gave me a full printout of his report. And yes, he had a few thoughts - her collapse is very concerning to him. A 24 hour Holtor monitor, an Atropine reaction test and GI testing are just some of the things he discussed with me.

I'm not pretending it didn't happen. I've taken Chelsea in for test after test with 3 different doctors, including a specialist, and none of them can find anything wrong. Do you have any suggestions on what more I can do, because I've certainly done everything I can think of?

My apologies... I didn't mean to imply that you were pretending it didn't happen, but that the vets, because they didn't get any definitive answers, were expecting you to pretend it didn't happen, and are content with waiting for it to happen again to do further testing? No, by all means, you have done all and more to get her diagnosed and treated. And without further symptoms, more testing at this point will be a waste or I'm sure your vets would insist on doing more.

I think along the lines that, as specialists in the field, more light could be shed on Chelsea's problem... they 've had to have similar experiences with others' pets, as all they see are pets with heart problems. Then, too, I have to remember that some things do get lost in translation, especially in cases like this when emotions are running high. We all want problems to be fixed, not left hanging.

The only thing I can think of that I haven't seen mentioned that could have caused Chelsea's episode would be if she chewed an electric cord, and was shocked enough to throw off her heart rhythm, but not cause permanent damage.

Sorry, I just get frustrated and overly emotional at times, just as I would with my own pets and their situations, and then I end up posting my thoughts in a less than clear manner. I, in no way, think you are deficient in your care of Chelsea. If anything, you are one of the best Yorkie Mommies around, so much so if I ever couldn't take care of my own, you are high on my list of people whom I would turn my dogs over to in a heartbeat. Not that you would want them...

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by kjc

My apologies... I didn't mean to imply that you were pretending it didn't happen, but that the vets, because they didn't get any definitive answers, were expecting you to pretend it didn't happen, and are content with waiting for it to happen again to do further testing? No, by all means, you have done all and more to get her diagnosed and treated. And without further symptoms, more testing at this point will be a waste or I'm sure your vets would insist on doing more.

I think along the lines that, as specialists in the field, more light could be shed on Chelsea's problem... they 've had to have similar experiences with others' pets, as all they see are pets with heart problems. Then, too, I have to remember that some things do get lost in translation, especially in cases like this when emotions are running high. We all want problems to be fixed, not left hanging.

The only thing I can think of that I haven't seen mentioned that could have caused Chelsea's episode would be if she chewed an electric cord, and was shocked enough to throw off her heart rhythm, but not cause permanent damage.

Sorry, I just get frustrated and overly emotional at times, just as I would with my own pets and their situations, and then I end up posting my thoughts in a less than clear manner. I, in no way, think you are deficient in your care of Chelsea. If anything, you are one of the best Yorkie Mommies around, so much so if I ever couldn't take care of my own, you are high on my list of people whom I would turn my dogs over to in a heartbeat. Not that you would want them...

Wow, thank you. I think is probably one of the best compliments I could possibly be given, especially considering all the wonderful yorkie parents here on YT.

I also thank you for the apology. I understand now what you were saying and I agree. And I completely understand getting caught up in the emotion and feeling frustrated over cases like Chelsea's. It still amazes me at how attached I've gotten to all these little pupsters I've never even met!! I cry, I laugh, I worry, I fill up with pride.....just like I would if they were my own.

If I truly thought Chelsea needed more testing, treatment, whatever....I would not hesitate to insist on it or to switch to another doctor - her health is the most important thing in the world to me (as is the health of all my munchkins). Dr. Hodges was so thorough and did an amazing job guiding me through the Echo and showing me what the EKG readings meant, and he made sure I understood everything he was telling me. Even though I've found it difficult to repeat his words clearly here or to remember all the details of what he said, I have complete confidence in the path he's taking with Chelsea.

I never even considered her possibly chewing on an electrical cord. There's only one cord that she would have access to that morning....I'll check it as soon as I get home from work this morning. I'm VERY careful about electrical cords - when I was a little girl I lost a loved pet that way and I'll never forget it.

Thank you,
Bonny and Chelsea

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by lisaly

I'm so happy to hear that Chelsea is better. I continue to keep you and your babies in my thoughts and prayers.

Originally Posted by ladyjane

You are a good mom, Bonny! Chelsea is lucky to have you! You and Chelsea have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be so.

Lisa and Linda, thank you both so much. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated!

Hugs,
Bonny and Chelsea