Atrioventricular Block (3rd Degree)

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

The only concern with this one as I am reading this is that her heart is pressing on the trachea. Maybe that is why they said she is high risk? I don't know but I definitely would want the testing done so that I knew I had looked at every possibility before making a decision on whether to do the surgery or not.

Yeah, that trachea issue is a real concern . I wonder if after being on some CHF meds for a bit if this would ease the pressure put onto the trachea. I'm thinking it's a possibility...?

Originally Posted by Pennysmommy

The cardiologist I have been working with has been very good to communicated with me- I asked about donated pacemakers - and the fee for the donated/low cost pacemakers is $1900.00? She said I could always check with the Vet school to see if their price is lower.

She also suggested that we double up on the cough syrup - to see if it helps - otherwise, she is already in congestive heart failure...

Yeah, I'm not surprised there is a hefty fee for them. In humans, the exact same pacer usually goes for 15-30k+++ at least. They are not cheap - there is a ton of tech that goes into these little things.

She should be on a med for the CHF (heart failure)...why is she only on the cough syrup, I wonder? Is there a reason?

Btw, many dogs (mine included) can live a verrrrry long time w/ CHF. My Wylie takes Enalapril for his CHF and it's been a great med for him...he has no symptoms whatsoever.

I'm so sorry about your girl - I know it must feel so beyond tragic. I sure wish I was still a pacer/defib rep as I would most surely give you a short-dated device to save your kiddo.

[Yorkiemom1]

[QUOTE=ladyjane;4601751]If she is in CHF then she needs to be seen and other meds given.[/QUOTE]

[ladyjane]

Meds like Enalapril and Lasix are relatively inexpensive. I really think you need to ask more questions.

Honestly, if you cannot afford to give her relief I am going to say that you should either surrender her to a rescue that can care for her...or let her go humanely. Of course, if you are pursuing options for cost assistance, that's fine but that needs to be done ASAP. If she is as fragile as you say, to let her suffer is just not fair to her.

I hope you understand that I don't mean to come down on you...I am merely saying that in all of this Penny is the one who is sick and suffering. You are all she has...you are making decisions for her.

[ladyjane]

Looking for an update on Penny....