Worst fears realized and then some

Paws1996 · #1 03-09-2006, 04:43 PM

In the vent you read our introduction of Paws, our 9 year old boxer male from yesterday, you know that he has been having episodes since this past friday of what can best be described as fainting during his evening walks. We took him to our regular vet for that as well as having a golf ball sized lump on his rump to be looked at. Our vet said neither really was a problem, but we could if we wanted to, be sent to a cardiologist. last night we went to a larger vet in princeton NJ and they recommended we immediately go to a proper cardio specialist. Today we went and our fears and then some were realized:

1: arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopaty
2: moderate subaortic stenosis
3: grade 2 to 3 heart murmur
4: the lump on his rump is not as our vet described it "of a cheeselike subtsance", but instead of a hard nature and initial results through syringe point in the direction of sarcoma.

Paws will now have to go onto a regimen of Sotalol, a beta blocker, also prescribed for humans. A 14 day supply of 80mg tabs will run you about $20 at CVS pharmacy.

For those who have not had anything wrong with their pup yet, note that in order to find the exact cause of the problem he had to undergo:

1: a cardiac exam: $122
2: Ecg: $104
3: Echocardiogram Level 3: $358
total bill roughly $600.

ding ding ding.

The moral of this story is not for us to vent. The moral is that through this thread we hope to alert potential dog and especially potential boxer owners to know what they are doing BEFORE you decide to get a puppy. There are real lifestyle and financial ramefications attached to it. Dont get us wrong: boxers are in our opinion the BEST family dogs to get. You will never get entertained more and be better taken care. The picture galaries on this board are plenty proof of that.

We want to make sure you make an informed decision and are in the position to properly take care of your pet when the real issues arise and believe me they will.

We are now going to have to decide in regards to Paws whether the treatment will be worth it. We will fill the first 14 days of it, see if he responds well to it and if indeed the symptoms disappear and he does not have bad side effects (lethargy & loss of appetite). Our take is simple: if he is more than 70% himself whilst being managed, it is worth it. Bit any less than that and we will let nature run its course, make him comfortable for as long as we can without breaking the trust and the level of care he has shown us over the years.

Paws is ready to meet any of you if you are in the NJ area. No matter what!

Britbox · #2 03-09-2006, 04:57 PM

Sending much love to Paws, I am so sorry you are having to go through this, My Millie also has heart problems, and my last Boxer suffered with cancer (brain tumour), unfortunatley, these are all too common diseases in our breed...but I would never let this put me off owning and loving a Boxer....sending healing vibes your way, and hoping that Paws will continue to be the light of your life for a very long time.

Louise501 · #3 03-09-2006, 05:00 PM

I'm sorry Paws is having to go thru this, he's a gorgeous boy. I hope he gets better and has many more years with his family.

Maxwell's Ma · #4 03-09-2006, 05:35 PM

Sending healing vibes to Paws.

Life is a risk. I guess everyday we have loved ones that could financially cause us problems. I know it is hard. But, I would never give up the time I have had with Maxwell for anything. I know you wouldn't either. I am sorry this is happening to your baby. I wish you many more days of laughing, snuggling, and kidney beaning.

kljarvis · #5 03-09-2006, 06:46 PM

i pray all turns out for you and your baby. my heart is broken.

EmmaWiggles · #6 03-10-2006, 07:19 AM

My little puppy just underwent surgery Wed and is doing fine . . .I pray that yours will also surpass doctors expectations and make a full recovery to live a long and happy life! My Emma sends a boxer kiss to Paws!

atlasmom911 · #7 03-10-2006, 10:19 AM

Sending lots of prayers and healing ((((Vibes)))) your way. Paws is one handsome boxer boy.

Lola's mum · #8 03-10-2006, 10:45 AM

Sending lot's of love & licks to Paws

jksjkc · #9 03-10-2006, 10:46 PM

What a difficult time for you right now.

Sending prayers and healing your way to Paws.

Austin's Mom · #10 03-11-2006, 08:04 AM

Lots of prayers and good wishes for Paws. We're in Bridgewater, not too far from you guys.