Please pray for Chelsea

[Roccosmommy]

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.

[yorkieusa]

Sending you hugs and special prayers for special little Chelsea.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by BonBon

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.

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 !

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Roccosmommy

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

Sending you hugs and special prayers for special little Chelsea.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

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 !

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.

[LDandPasquale]

Originally Posted by BonBon

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.

I know a lot of human cardiologists use a 24 hour cardiac monitor...but i dont know if they have them for dogs? A patient will wear the monitor for 24 hours...that way they can see if there is any episodes.

[Darlene68]

Bonny I am so sorry, I've been sick myself and have missed a lot of posts, and I've just seen this My heart goes out to you, I will keep both you and Chelsea in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she is completely better very soon, I know how stressful it is when our little ones are sick. Sending hugs to both of you!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by BonBon

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.

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.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

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.

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.

I'm so sorry I haven't reply to all the wonderful posts on here. I'm feeling so overwhelmed and my brain can't seem to kick into gear. As soon as I can focus clearly, I'll try to respond to everyone and give the best answers I have.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by BonBon

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.

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.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

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.

Awww! I've worn a holter monitor before, but I didn't look nearly as cute in it as she does!

[Anaic]

Wishing Chelsea the best and a easy solution.

It's amazing what we can do for our furbabies now with holter monitors, pace makers and meds. Though I am sure it sounds very concerning for you I would be worried too, come to think of it would probably of ended up with a migraine like you did, guess our stressors come out the same way hehe

But I also deal with a lot of patients that have problems with electrial conduction disorders. We take care of them along with other cardiac patients and I am confident you'll find a great cardiologist to care for Chelsea and guide you through all this.

Keeping you both in my daily prayers.

[kjc]

Sending more Hugs and Prayers....

[_Chrissy_]

Sending you and Chelsea prayers.

I also suffer from migraines so I know how debilitating they can be. I'm sorry you have to deal with that right now. UGGH

[LoALAnna]

Bonnie, I'm just now reading this thread-- I'm so sorry this is going on with your little Chelsea! Whenever our little ones are hurt or sick, you just hurt with them. Just know that you and your baby are in my prayers and hope that the Drs. will have an answer soon on the treatment.

Neo and Connor send their love, too!

[gemy]

Bonnie just read the updates. Prayers for good health for Chelsea. Rest and keep well yourself.