In early August, I observed a small umbilical hernia in my little Shih Tzu dog, Bitsy. The next week I had to go to Birmingham and I sent her to doggie daycare at our veterinarian’s office and asked them to check it. When I picked her up I talked to the doctor. She said the hernia did not need surgery at this time and told me that Bitsy had a heart murmur. She wanted to schedule a EKG. Her RKG was normal, so she referred her to another clinic who had Echocardiogram equipment. A few days later the echo was done done. The second vet, in consultation with the first, referred her to the Auburn University Vet School Small Animal Hospital. We went there on Tuesday September 9th. Their assessment took all morning and the news was disheartening, a serious pulmonary valve defect and enlargement of her heart that would lead to heart failure. They said this was NOT what they expected to find. I spent several days getting my mind around the reality of what would likely be a significantly shortened life for my happy little girl. We schedule follow up blood work for Tuesday, September 23rd, to see how her little body is handling the two cardio drugs they started, a beta blocker and an ACE inhibitor.
On September 13th, it was becoming obvious that I might need to adjust my schedule to be more available to her for administering and monitoring her meds and response to them. I wrote on Facebook:
“Hello, Friends. I may need to curtail some activities for a while that would require me to leave my little Shih Tzu at home alone. A very faint heart murmur was detected a few weeks ago. After consults with two local veterinarians in Montgomery, she was referred to the Bailey Small Animal Hospital at Auburn University’s Vet School. A medical issue has arisen that will require close monitoring of her. Sweet little Bitsy was diagnosed with a serious heart valve defect that will lead to heart failure and shorten her life. There are already early signs of heart failure indicated on her echocardiogram at the tender age of 2. ( Her birthdate was October 23, 2023.) Attempting surgical repair is not advised at this time because of what the cardiologist called the “unique” and complex aspects of the pulmonary valve defect. Surgery could actually further compromise her cardiopulmonary function and hasten her death. It would only be as a last resort to give her a chance at valve repair if medical management fails, however, recognizing that she might not survive the surgery itself and the likelihood that it would help is low. Bill and I have cared for at least a half dozen pets with chronic debilitating healthcare issues over the years with our family pets. So I am not new to caring for a sick fur baby. In fact, I imagine God’s knowledge of Bitsy’s hidden heart defect, her vulnerability as the runt of her litter, and my willingness and ability to love and care for her is the reason she and I found one another. ❤️😊
She has been placed on 2 cardiac medications as of last Tuesday. Late Friday she began having some adverse side effects to one of them. We will be talking to the cardiologist at Auburn University Vet School Saturday morning to see if this medication can be adjusted or changed. She travels with me well in her crate and loves doing so. Bitsy has been with me at a number of places I go, so I plan to continue our schedule as well as I can as long as she is comfortable and able to travel with me. My sister is also involved in her care and can keep her some. This is going to be a week by week situation until we determine if her current status can be stabilized and managed on medication.
I appreciate your prayers as we work through whatever God has for us. I am grateful that God chose me to be her guardian and I want to give her the quality of life that we can and the care and attention she deserves.”
I am experiencing anticipatory grief watching her questioning eyes as I give her meds and try to keep her from excess excitement which stresses her heart and exhausts her.
Hearing the cardiologist say she could simply have a heart attack and die in her sleep. I find myself reaching for her at night to check her breathing and watching her during the day for evidence of distress.
Today has been a day of tears for my little companion. I pray to be able to comfort and serve her for whatever time we may have together
