Question - Cardiomyopathy

[prouddobemom]

Ok, so I observed some heavy breathing along with very strong pulse on my Rosco a couple of times in the past couple of months. At first, I did not think much of it since the two females are always starting trouble with him but last week I was able to observe an episode that lasted about 10 mins and his heart was beating so hard, it felt like it was in my hand! So of course, I take him to the vet. He was tested for heartworks, a comprehensive Blood Profile and CBC was done, Electrolyte Panel and Thyroid and Cholesterol panel. The good news is that all of the above were fine. The bad news is that if this occurs again, hopefully when Im around I am to look for pale gums/tongue. If it occurs again he will have some x-rays done and an EKG. The doctor mentioned that he might have a heart condition. He gave me some information on Cardiomyopathy, which I had read on before and have researched in detail since our visit withe vet this weekend. My questions are: Have any of you dealt with this before? Any advice?

I thought with him being 2 years old that he is kindda yound to have that but...

Any information is appreaciated.

 

[jess2416]

If it was me, I would go ahead and have the X-rays and the Ekg done...I couldnt be able to stand not knowing..

My Chloe has a heart murmur and she just had all of her bloodwork and X-rays and EGC done....and now she is getting ready to have an ultrasound done in a week or so

 

[ks02]

Unfortunately, I do have experience with cardiomyopathy. Is your dog, by chance, overweight? If so, GET HIM AT HIS IDEAL WEIGHT! I can not emphasize this enough. Sadly, my dog was older when she was diagnosed, but she was VERY overweight for most of her life, and we did get her down to her ideal weight, but it was not in time. She deveoped congestive heart failure, which almost always happens with cardiomyopathy. She was put on a special diet, Lasix, and some other heart meds that cost my mom around $300 a month (I think). She only lived about another year, and she was just 9 years old when she died. I agree, I would have the x-rays and EKG done.

 

[prouddobemom]

See, this is exactly how I feel! I will more than likely have the testing done soon. He is not overweight at all but it is not uncommon in some dobermans.

 

[prouddobemom]

oh, I forgot... Thank you guys!

 

[hbwright]

I'm sorry about your worries. Unfortunately it is a worry in dobermans. I've had one die from CHF and my girl died on the first of January this year from sudden death/dilated cardiomyopathy. Weight and good exercise is probably the most important thing for your dobe's health and regular screening. You may want to consider regular ultrasounds, especially considering the young age.

I got very luck with mine as the male was almost 8 and the female 9 1/2, BUT, that is not nearly long enough. I will not let it keep me from loving dobermans though. I just enjoy them for as long as I can and make sure to enjoy and love them all I can.

 

[prouddobemom]

Hb, sorry about your babies... Our dogs are at an ideal weight and they get lots of exercise. My husband jogs several times a week and alternates who gets to run (Sasha/Rosco), and of course we do the regular stuff like fetch and they also run around with eachother. I am very worried and I thank all of you for the information and all your support.