A couple days ago, while out for a run, one of my dogs collapsed, without warning, twice. He didn't trip, didn't stumble, no warning signs that he was in any distress, he just went limp and hit the ground. Both times he got up quickly and again no really obvious signs of distress. Chum is only five years old and never had any health problems. Spondylosis of the spine is a fairly common affliction among sled dogs, although most show no symptoms, so I figured Chum had some spinal problem. He went to the vet for testing galore today.
The good news is his spine is perfectly normal. No signs of any problems with it. His hips are good, his knees are solid, except for one bruise from where he fell. Good range of motion in all his joints.
Bad news is he has an abnormal heart beat and is likely anemic. They did 2 ECGs today, one at rest and one after a jog around the block. The readings have been sent to canine cardiac specialist in North Carolina. Also did a wide variety of blood tests. My vet says there are any number of things that could cause Chum's symptoms from simple hypothyroidism to Addison's Disease to heart disease or even cancer. I have to wait til tomorrow for the results, maybe longer for the ECG results. It's going to be a long night! I'm almost glad Stuart is away so Chum can have his side of the bed and I can cuddle him lots!
Chum is usually a borderline nutball, hyper, talkative, annoying! He's so quiet right now. I spend more time telling that dog to be quiet and right now I'd love to hear him yapping!
Two funny things though--If I needed an ECG, I'd have to wait months for an app't and fly to Vancouver for the test! Chum's app't was at 3:30 this afternoon. He had the ECG at 4! Also the vet who did his tests, the lovely Dr. Candace, lives with the man who originally rescued Chum! Chum was running around at the airport about to get shot for being on the runway when Chris lured him into his truck and brought him to the shelter.
Please keep your paws crossed that nothing too serious is wrong with Chum! I want my annoying boy back!
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