Good vibes for my best bud, please

[Coyote_Bandit]

my oldest dog has been diagnosed with heart disease. He has an enlarged left ventricle and a heart murmer believed to be the result of a leaky mitral valve. We didn't do the ultrasound. But we did do an x-ray and an EKG. He's taking an ACE inhibitor now in addition to his thyroid supplement.

We've talked to two different vets. Both advise that how quickly the disease progresses varies widely so they are both reluctant to put a time frame on how long my buddy has. Apparently, he could have a heart attack and drop dead at any time. Or he could go into congestive heart failure and perhaps live a few more years.

He's a kind and gentle soul. Please send him good vibes. May he enjoy simple pleasures. And find comfort. May he be without pain - and stress. Please send good vibes and warm thoughts for whatever time he has left.

[northernlights]

1. hugs to your old dog

and his people. :grouphug:

[Coyote_Bandit]

7. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[alstephenson]

2. Sending good vibes to your sweet old dog and you....

[Coyote_Bandit]

8. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[emilyg]

3. Hug on the way.

[Coyote_Bandit]

9. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[glinda]

4. Thinking good wishes for you and your loving friend.

[Coyote_Bandit]

10. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Hugs for you both

:grouphug: Hope he doesn't suffer. Did either doc mention anything about an alteration of diet?

[Coyote_Bandit]

6. Yes

The dog has lost several teeth including one of his large molars. As a result, he eats a semi-soft diet.

The soft part of that diet consists of some combination of skim milk, water, maybe some applesauce or a bit of non-fat cottage cheese and some flavor of soft senior dog food (Science Diet).

The crunchy part of the diet consists of some combination of an organic all natural diet and prescription k/d.

I sometimes supplement with a bit of people food - cooked rice, potato, veggies.

Treats are often apple slices or baby carrots or a vanilla wafer. Always have been.

Pills are cheese wrapped when dispensed and are disquised as treats. Those pills also include the addition of Co-Q-10. He also takes glucosamine and has for quite some time now.

The diet has low to moderate sodium depending on the exact combination of ingredients. It's also low fat.

I expect the vet will probably transition to a diet that consists of some combination of soft people food and a prescription heart diet.



:hug:

Thank you.

[yellerpup]

11. Good wishes for your sweet old boy.

He'll be in the moment no matter how long he lives and enjoy every gesture of love. :hug:

[Coyote_Bandit]

14. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[hamsterjill]

12. Consider the vibes on the way

I'm sorry for the diagnosis. Sending warm comfort...

Thank you for loving him, for taking care of him, and for having the presence of mind (even though I know you're emotionally distraught) to get more than one opinion. That is never a bad thing - just in case.

He's lucky to have you...and I'm sure he knows it.

[Coyote_Bandit]

15. .

I'm the lucky one. It has been an honor to care for my boy.

:hug:

Thank you.

[livetohike]

13. Sending good vibes and hugs for your dog

and you :hug:. There's nothing like the love for and from an older pet. May you have more good times together.

[Coyote_Bandit]

16. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[Lavender Brown]

17. Hugs

:hug: for your buddy and you. May his time be peaceful and comfortable.

[Coyote_Bandit]

19. .

:hug:

Thank you.

[japple]

18. Sounds like your dog is in very good hands. You are giving

him the best care possible. Sending healing energies in your direction. BTW, did you mention his name and description and I missed it? It helps to visualize when sending energies. Best wishes to you and your buddy for many more happy times.

[Coyote_Bandit]

20. Thank you

His name is Punkin. He is a red and white Japanese Chin/Spaniel with a beautiful full coat. He is vision impaired. He is a kind and gentle soul. Doesn't demand much. Loves attention.

[japple]

21. Sending extra special loving energies to dear Punkin. He

sounds like a lovely, loving boy. Give him an ear scratch from me.

[Coyote_Bandit]

22. Thank you japple

You got a big wet kiss in exchange for that ear scratch.

[JeffR]

23. Biped and quadruped vibes coming your way from our house.

We wish this gentle soul long life, free of pain and filled with love.

[Coyote_Bandit]

24. .

:hug:

Thank you.