Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3301717)

Dr. Haynes ran another ECG this morning and said her heartrate is up closer to normal but not really where he wants it to be. Also, it's now skipping several beats and he's concerned about that.

Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3301717)

Chelsea and I just got home from the vet. She perked up last night as soon as we walked in the house but she still wasn't her normal self. We both rested better than I expected. I was actually able to sleep and just woke up several times in the night to check on her.

The bloodwork results were already back when we got there this morning. Everything's good on that - no Addison's. All potassium, sodium, liver enzymes, etc. were well within the normal ranges. Her hydration is good. Dr. Haynes ran another ECG this morning and said her heartrate is up closer to normal but not really where he wants it to be. Also, it's now skipping several beats and he's concerned about that.

He wants to run another ECG in a few days and then we'll probably be referred to a Cardiologist. I'm assuming that the cardiologist will do the ultrasound and whatever additional testing Chelsea needs, if she even needs it. Dr. Haynes wasn't as forthcoming this morning about what might be going on now that Addison's has been ruled out. He said let's just wait and see what the next few days brings.

Chelsea is acting better this morning so I'm trying to stay positive. I just don't know what to think. Yesterday I googled so many possibilities that I scared myself stupid - and I still don't know what's wrong with her.

Thank you all for all the prayers! Please continue to pray for my little girl. I know that modern medicine can work miracles, but she's so young still. She really has me worried. I just want her to be well.

Hugs,
Bonny

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom (Post 3302677)

Just catching up on Chelsea and sending her some more love :).

When the vet assessed the ECG - did he say whether he suspected a 'Sinus Node Block' (aka, SA block). Or, whether instead this looked like an 'AV block' (atrioventricular). Or afib? The rhythm patterns for blocks are pretty disctinct...so I wonder which one he may be suspecting. Did he put her on a heart med, I can't recall?

Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3303379)

Chelsea seems to be feeling much better. She's still not 100%, but there's a huge improvement.

I've been down with a migraine since Sunday afternoon - I'm so sorry I haven't been able to post updates. The kiddos and I spent the day yesterday cuddled up together, which made it easier to keep Chelsea still and quiet.

Ann, the doctor said 'AV Block. He explained that's where the electrical impulses sent by the upper chamber of the heart are blocked and don't reach the bottom chambers.

Originally Posted by Roccosmommy (Post 3303383)

So sorry you're not feeling well - I know all too well how debilitating migraines can be. Sending prayers your way for Chelsea's health and your strength. Hang in there.:(

Originally Posted by yorkieusa (Post 3303407)

Sending you hugs and special prayers for special little Chelsea.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom (Post 3303459)

I'm so sorry about your migraine - UGH :(. Those just drag you right on down.

Just some fyi....w/ an AV block...she would either have 1st Degree, 2nd Degree (type 1 or type 2), or 3rd Degree. I highly doubt she has 1st degree, or she wouldn't be having these symptoms. If she has 2nd Degree, type 1 (also called Wenckebach)...this may be manageable by drugs...by shortening/regulating the time it takes for conduction time from the atria to the AV Node. If she has 2nd Degree, type 2....she will intermittently (without pattern) drop ventricular beats....and this is often treated w/ a pacemaker, bc of the unpredictability of the conduction, and the possibility of progression to 3rd Degree. With 3rd degree....there is no communication btwn the atria and ventricles (nothing getting thru the AV Node)...and a pacemaker is really needed for 3rd Degree block.

I so hope you're able to find out soon...the waiting is tough. She sounds like she is hanging right in there though, and is a tough little kiddo. Hugs to you both :)!

Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3303476)

I want to thank everyone for the prayers and support. It means more than I can put into words.

Ann, if I'm reading your words correctly - it might be possible for Chelsea to have a normal ECG and still have underling problems? I mean if she has intermittent dropped beats, then she may be able to have a normal reading? I was praying that her next ECG would be completely normal, but now I don't know what to hope for since that wouldn't prove anything conclusively. :(

Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3303476)

Ann, if I'm reading your words correctly - it might be possible for Chelsea to have a normal ECG and still have underling problems? I mean if she has intermittent dropped beats, then she may be able to have a normal reading? I was praying that her next ECG would be completely normal, but now I don't know what to hope for since that wouldn't prove anything conclusively. :(

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom (Post 3303532)

Theoretically, she *could* have a normal ECG...if her dropped beats decided to not drop, at the time the ECG was performed. But, since they know she is/maybe dropping beats - they likely will not only do the ECG for a long-enough duration....but also, it would be kinda odd not to see something if the 'something' has been bad enough to cause her symptoms.

This is what 2nd Degree Type 1 would look like (A being the atria beating, V being ventricular):

A___V / A____V / A_____V / A______V / A_______V / A________(dropped V) -- see how the conduction time btwn A/V increases and increases and then the V just skips? That's Wenckebach.

This is what 2nd Degree Type 2 may look like:

A___V / A___V / A___ - / A___V / A___V / A___V / A___V / A___ - / -- (just random dropped V's)

And then in 3rd Degree....the A & V are just beating independently...which causes a very low rate for the V...and that's when a pacer is needed asap.

So, even with 'intermittent'....if it's there, it really should be caught on an ECG if it's happening.

Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3303548)

That's good, then....I think. I just read an interesting article on canine arrhythmia that talked a little about testing and diagnosis. There is some sort of device that can be placed on the dog's body for 24 hours to monitor their heart rate and rythm. I don't know if this is something that will be recommended for Chelsea or not but it's nice to know that it exists.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom (Post 3303551)

Yup....that's called a Holter Monitor...and it's used in humans too, when a rhythm diagnosis needs more than just an ECG. A Holter records/saves an ECG for 24 hours...and then it's read by the doc. It's also helpful to track any symptoms (record time/event) you see during the Holter period...so they can tie any symptoms to the rhythm.

ETA: Doggie with a Holter monitor. :)