Hi,
My name is Kerry and I am new to this group. I am a long time lover of
Chihuahuas, and
have two sweeties, Agatha & Grendel (I will post their pictures).
In addition to wanting to join a community of fellow Chihuahua lovers I am
hoping to get
some support or personal stories from anyone who has dealt with MVD (Mitral
Valve
Disease) in their Chihuahua. I have already done a fair amount of research and
am working
with an excellent cardiologist, I think I am looking more for how has it gone
for you and
your dog? As you may already know, their is an abundance of information on the
web
regarding Cavalier Spaniels, but I have not found much on Chihuahuas. I know in
Cavalier's the disease progresses more rapidly and severely, which is why I
want to hear
about Chi's and hopefully how it is different.
My girl, Agatha is 8 yo. She was diagnosed with mild MVD 2 years ago and up
till now has
just been monitored with an annual echocardiagram. At her most recent echo,
last week,
the cardiologist said she is now "mild-moderate" and wants to start her on
Vasotec which
she said can slow down the progression. She said that while the progression can
vary,
most likely she will be around for another 4 maybe 5 years (although it could
be longer, or
it could be shorter).
I know 4 years may still sound like plenty, but I was just heart broken. She
truly is the love
of my life and I find myself fearing and dreading the worst. As of now she is
perky and
shows really no symptoms. She walks 1.2 miles like 4x a week with me (except in
winter).
Have any of you had a dog who has lived longer with this? Have you had success
with the
medications? I know there is a new one out (Vetmedin)) which is supposed to be
good
once
they progress into Congestive Heart Failure.
For now she is on a vet designed home cooked diet, and supplements of Q10,
Carnitine,
Antioxidants, and fish oil. Are there any other supplements or alternative
therapies (like
acupuncture) that any of you have tried?
Any support or feedback would be most helpful. I know I should live in the
moment and
be grateful she is so well, I also know that she could in theory be fine for 5
years, but
reading about the progression of it in Cavaliers really scared me.
Thanks,
Kerry
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