Abnormal Heart? UPDATE

[joyce evans]

Oh heck no! I would pin them down for answers or better yet get another referral for another Cardiologist. I had to do that with the original Oncologist my vet referred me to for my Lab. Idiots (can I say that) were still calling me after my girl was already going through her radiation treatments with the Oncologist of my choice.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by -echo-

FRUSTRATED.

So, its been almost 6 weeks since I took Magnus to see the cardiologist. Within 2 days of seeing her (the cardiologist) - I told her we wanted to do the surgery. I feel as though I'm getting the runaround. She told me she wanted to do it within a month or 2. Two months is fast approaching and still nothing. I hound them every single week for a surgery date and an actual price. Is this normal? Her assistant tells me they're trying to get prices on everything they need (coil etc). Magnus is still doing great - acting like a normal little puppy - but I'm concerned that getting to the point where he can HAVE the surgery is going to take too long and he'll start showing signs of the PDA that will be irreversible.

Big ole SIGHS!

Wow! No, I would not be happy at all. This story reminds me of another pup on YT from Canada .. it was a neuro issue and they got that same run around. If your vet has to call around for prices, it tells me they don't do these often. I personally would be on the hunt for another vet! ASAP!!

Maybe you might want to come to the states to get it done...is that a possibility? I know Houston is a hike, but I would certainly help you if you could get down this way.

[-echo-]

Yes, you can say 'idiots' - lol. Of course AFTER I vent here, I received 3 emails from them today. They have made me feel better. I'm still annoyed though - but, they've apologized for the miscommunication - so I suppose I must be forgiving. Grrrr!!

That's totally crazy - what happened to you. That sounds like quite the ordeal.

Well - I'll see how the next 2 weeks go.

Originally Posted by joyce evans

Oh heck no! I would pin them down for answers or better yet get another referral for another Cardiologist. I had to do that with the original Oncologist my vet referred me to for my Lab. Idiots (can I say that) were still calling me after my girl was already going through her radiation treatments with the Oncologist of my choice.

[-echo-]

I actually thought about that today - unfortunately though - I have no passport and I'm quite certain my husband would think me crazy (even though I wouldn't). Thank you so much for your offer to assist me though. That is incredibly kind of you!!

In case you didn't read my response above... I heard from the vet today - 3x. She has put my mind at ease... momentarily. She said things that make sense. I'm going to see her in another 2 weeks to touch base and see how things are progressing. When I see her then I'll inquire further about WHY they are having to get "parts" from a few different places. I'll aslo inquire as to how often she does this surgery and IF its something that a vet who isn't a cardiologist can do. If I feel that I'm still getting the run around - I'll investigate further.

Honestly - if they had just responded to my emails - I would have been appeased. I've learned today though - that she's only there three days a week. She's (apparently) the only small dog cardiologist in Western Canada.

I'll keep y'all posted!

Thanks so much

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Wow! No, I would not be happy at all. This story reminds me of another pup on YT from Canada .. it was a neuro issue and they got that same run around. If your vet has to call around for prices, it tells me they don't do these often. I personally would be on the hunt for another vet! ASAP!!

Maybe you might want to come to the states to get it done...is that a possibility? I know Houston is a hike, but I would certainly help you if you could get down this way.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by -echo-

I actually thought about that today - unfortunately though - I have no passport and I'm quite certain my husband would think me crazy (even though I wouldn't). Thank you so much for your offer to assist me though. That is incredibly kind of you!!

In case you didn't read my response above... I heard from the vet today - 3x. She has put my mind at ease... momentarily. She said things that make sense. I'm going to see her in another 2 weeks to touch base and see how things are progressing. When I see her then I'll inquire further about WHY they are having to get "parts" from a few different places. I'll aslo inquire as to how often she does this surgery and IF its something that a vet who isn't a cardiologist can do. If I feel that I'm still getting the run around - I'll investigate further.

Honestly - if they had just responded to my emails - I would have been appeased. I've learned today though - that she's only there three days a week. She's (apparently) the only small dog cardiologist in Western Canada.

I'll keep y'all posted!

Thanks so much

I will be saying prayers and hoping this works out well. Please keep us posted!

[ladyjane]

The more I think about this, why not contact her now and ask about her experience with this surgery? That way, if she does not give an answer you are happy with, you will not have wasted two weeks.

I honestly would be flipping out over all this time. Did she not think it was risky to keep putting it off? These puppies can end up with other issues that cannot be repaired. The PDA should be repaired as soon as possible after diagnosis from what I understand. Also, you need to ask her what kind of repair she will be doing. Is she going to use a catheter or do open surgery?

[ladyjane]

I found this Cavalier King Charles site with information on board certified cardiologists in the US and Canada. They are a breed with cardiac issues, so they would know the best in the field.

Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologists


Here are two in Alberta....don't know how far they are from you but they are board certified cardiologists:

Calgary
Dr. Michael R. O'Grady
CARE Centre Animal Hospital
7140 - 12th Street S.E.
Calgary AB T2H 2Y4
403-520-8387; 866-520-8387
info@carecentre.ca
Care Centre > Home

Edmondton
Dr. Kimberley C. E. Hawkes
Guardian Veterinary Centre
5620 99th St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 1V2
780-436-5880
Emergency Veterinary Clinic & Specialty Animal Hospital - Guardian Veterinary Centre.

[-echo-]

I emailed her again tonight. At the rate I'm going she may just refuse to treat us. I haven't been rude at all - but I've definitely been a bother :/ I want answers, dangit!

Thank you very much for the information on the website you linked. I also might have found another doctor in Edmonton who someone reviewed having done the PDA surgery on two of their dogs. And the other name I saw on the link you sent defintely might come in handy. Its only a 3 hour drive. That... I could do.

This has been very stressful. I just want our puppy all better! I'm telling you - for a first time dog owning experience... this is a bit much!

Originally Posted by ladyjane

The more I think about this, why not contact her now and ask about her experience with this surgery? That way, if she does not give an answer you are happy with, you will not have wasted two weeks.

I honestly would be flipping out over all this time. Did she not think it was risky to keep putting it off? These puppies can end up with other issues that cannot be repaired. The PDA should be repaired as soon as possible after diagnosis from what I understand. Also, you need to ask her what kind of repair she will be doing. Is she going to use a catheter or do open surgery?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by -echo-

I emailed her again tonight. At the rate I'm going she may just refuse to treat us. I haven't been rude at all - but I've definitely been a bother :/ I want answers, dangit!

Thank you very much for the information on the website you linked. I also might have found another doctor in Edmonton who someone reviewed having done the PDA surgery on two of their dogs. And the other name I saw on the link you sent defintely might come in handy. Its only a 3 hour drive. That... I could do.

This has been very stressful. I just want our puppy all better! I'm telling you - for a first time dog owning experience... this is a bit much!

If she is offended by questions, you don't want her operating on your baby.

Personally, I would go with the board certified surgeon ... at least for a second opinion. I am very concerned about the delay in this surgery. Perhaps calling the other one and asking if they have the "parts" required to do a PDA repair??

[-echo-]

Some better news! Magnus goes in for his surgery next Wednesday (the 12th). I'll be happy to have it done and over with!

[-echo-]

Saw the vet again last week. She wasn't offended in the least. In fact she thanked me for my persistance. Things are moving forward now and finally have a date for his surgery. Thanks for all your input

Originally Posted by ladyjane

If she is offended by questions, you don't want her operating on your baby.

Personally, I would go with the board certified surgeon ... at least for a second opinion. I am very concerned about the delay in this surgery. Perhaps calling the other one and asking if they have the "parts" required to do a PDA repair??

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by -echo-

Some better news! Magnus goes in for his surgery next Wednesday (the 12th). I'll be happy to have it done and over with!

I am sure you will! Praying for all to go well. Thanks for the update!

[-echo-]

Magnus had his surgery today. He's overnight in clinic, but Doctor told me he "did great". Can't wait to see him and his little fixed heart tomorrow! So relieved he's all fixed up!

[scrapindee]

Great news.

[Pam Shaw]

Originally Posted by -echo-

Magnus had his surgery today. He's overnight in clinic, but Doctor told me he "did great". Can't wait to see him and his little fixed heart tomorrow! So relieved he's all fixed up!

So happy to hear that Magnus is doing great!