Sparky-sad news #74

[pomtzu]

Thanks to everybody for the prayers and concern - both Sparky and I appreciate it more than you know. I would have posted an update yesterday, but I was having wireless signal woes. It just kept going off and on and reminded me of a flashing traffic signal. Son remedied the problem and it's working again - for now anyway!

I just don't know what to make of Sparky's situation. He got up with just a little cough yesterday morning, and didn't cough again all day until later in the afternoon, so he had a good day. He slept good all last night and had a similar morning this morning, much like yesterday. He has coughed a couple of times since then, but just little ones. His appetite remains the same and he is eating good, and of course when it comes to treats, he'll race to be the the first recipient, and he must have his share my Cheerios or Honeycombs in the morning too. His respiration is somewhat faster then normal, but he's not gasping for air or panting, and is breathing normally thru his nose - so no distress there. But what has me puzzled, is the drastic reduction in coughing. Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining - just stumped. The med that was cut back to his original dose is his heart med, not the Lasix, his fluid pill, and the fluid pill dose remains the same - no change at all. But it would appear that he has less fluid buildup since he is coughing less, even tho he is getting the same dosage of Lasix that he has been on for weeks. I have to call his vet back tomorrow to let her know how he is, so maybe she will be able to shed some light on this. It's just so strange - I hope and pray that it's not the calm before the storm!

I will remain as cautiously optimistic as I can, yet keep in mind that CHF will never get better, and can only be stabilized for a time. Sparky and I had a nice talk last night. I reminded him that Santa will be coming soon, and I want more Santa and Fuzzbutt photos, and I know he wants more presents too. Plus his birthday is in February and that means even more presents. Fingers, paws, toes, whiskers - all crossed and hoping for the best.

Please keep Sparky in your prayers - he really needs them - and he is such a good little boy! I'll update tomorrow after I talk to his vet.

Again - my sincere thanks!

[kaycountrygal]

Ellie, I just read your newest entry. It's good that he coughed less yesterday. I guess you're afraid to be too positive for fear something will happen. I'll check back tomorrow to see what your vet says. BTW my little girls love Cheerios too. You all are in my prayers.

[Queen of Poop]

You and your furbabies added to our prayers.

[Cataholic]

One day at a time, eh? We can wonder and worry ourselves to pieces, and never really get why something is the way it is. BUT, it is my thought that positive thoughts and energy beats the worried thoughts and negative energy.

Hugs to all three of you.

[lizbud]

It's good to hear a positive update on Sparky, the fuzzbutt. Will continue with the prayers that he continues to do well.
All paws & fingers crossed here.

[pomtzu]

Sparky continues to do much better. His respiration is almost back to normal, tho it probably is actually normal now for a pooch with a bad heart, appetite still good, no more seizures or fainting, not too much coughing, and his energy level is coming back up. For the past week he had been rather lethargic - take him outside and he just would sit and look around, rather than play his normal role of Director of Homeland Security - and personally walk the grounds to insure our safety! He's back walking his beat again!

I just talked to his vet a short while ago, and she is rather befuddled too, since lowering the dose on his heart med but not changing his fluid pill, should have had no bearing on his reduction of coughing. But neither of us are looking that gift horse in the mouth right now, so I'm to continue on with the adjusted dosage. Unless something comes up to warrant otherwise, then she wants to see him back in about a month. She said the weather could have played a factor too, and even tho it had been cooler, there had still been a bit of humidity in the air. No definitive answers and we'll probably never have any, but as long as sweet Sparky is doing better, then that's all that matters.

BTW - for Sandie:
I did bring up the issue of possible blood clot vs seizure, and she said she doubts it. Normally seizures last longer than the 15 seconds or so that his did, but they can be quite short at times - like his was. One of my RB Lhasas had seizures, and they typically lasted a couple of minutes or more. Horrible!!! She said that if it was a blood clot, it would have happened over a span longer than 15 seconds. Whatever it was, I pray there are no more!!!


Sparky is sending along woofs, tail wags, and big doggie kisses to all of you - along with a big THANK YOU.

[robinh]

Just checking in to see how Sparky is doing. Will continue to keep him in my prayers. Those episodes that have no rhyme or reason make me frantic too.

Hugs to you both!