Thursday, January 15, 2009

Found out today: Sammi has a heart murmur

:( And because of her age, it's very possible that it can progress very quickly. Right now it's a grade 2 (out of 6). We had no idea. She's not shown any signs (coughing, etc.). We just simply were at the vet for a routine visit, shots, anal gland draining, etc. and when she listened to Sammi's heart, she told us what she found.

I held it together pretty well. After all, I've seen and heard of lots of dogs having murmurs through my volunteer work. And it never seemed serious.



We received some medicine for it, and we are supposed to bring her back in a month to see if it's helped. She said it could progress in 3 weeks or 3 years, there's no way to really tell. But because of her advanced age (approx. 15 years), it's likely that it will lead to congestive heart failure quickly.

And that's when I started crying. Hubs even had tears in his eyes.



I hope and pray it doesn't progress quickly. You all probably already know how much I love my dogs...they are our children. And honestly, I really don't need any more upset right now.



I love that dog so much! We've had her for 14 years. And though I know she won't be around forever, I just simply can't imagine her not being here.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh how sad I hope the medicine works it brought me to tears too my dogs are my babies. So completely understand.

Shell in your Pocket said...

Wow..I hope this medicine works for her...she seems sweet and a special dog! Hang in there..you have had quite a month!
-sandy toe

Anonymous said...

this breaks my heart. praying for you and sammi!

AJ said...

Oh my, girlie! You need hugs! Why do you have to live so far away. Give her lots of hugs, kisses, and belly rubs. I'm thinking about you♥

Megan {The Brick Bungalow} said...

Awww, that's terrible. I hope for your sake, and hers, that she lives 3 years! I hate thinking about my babies growing old too. My big guy is 5 and some people say I shouldn't expect him to live past 7. That's so young! Good luck and I hope the medicine works!!

Ally's Corner said...

Oh my I'm so sorry.
Hugs to you.

Gwen said...

I'm sorry for this news, GA. I hope that the medicine works for her and that she's comfortable. And I hope it doesn't progress.

Mindee@ourfrontdoor said...

What a precious girl. Hopefully this turns out to be in the "not a big deal" category.

Sweet Simplicity said...

She's so cute! Lets hope it progresses really slowly for her and that her medicine works.

Ashley said...

Poor Sammi. We'll hope that he has plenty of time (though it will never be enough) to spend with his family before it progresses.

Kaitlyn said...

Oh, that is so sad to hear. I pray that it doesn't advance quickly at all! Best wishes, my heart goes out to you.

Candy Allen - Junk Sophisticate said...

I'm so sorry that Sammi is having health troubles. I hope all goes well with the medicine. She looks beautiful at the beach! So cute!
Candy

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

Oh Sammi! Gosh, poor sweetie. Will be hoping and praying that the medication does its job right. Dogs are just so precious. I'm typing this with both of mine by my side. Keep us all posted!

Shannon said...

Oh no....I hope that medicine helps. I'll be praying for you.

Megan {The Brick Bungalow} said...

Thanks for all the comments! I totally agree on the animal and baby thing - and my cats aren't jumpers and super friendly, cuddly cats so I don't see them getting too weird with the baby (like Janella said). And thanks for the info on the bandaid! I haven't looked today, but I didn't see anything earlier.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

I am so sorry to hear about your sweet dog! I am hoping that the medicine works well and that the checkup will prove it!
Carrie

Nancy Bane said...

I am hoping that Sammi lives a long life, despite the heart murmur. Thanks for commenting on my blog! Rescue work is so rewarding, I wish I could do more than I do already. And I wish I had a lot of land to take more in. :) Keep on trucking...you'll get through it. And I get the drift from some of your comments that you maybe/are pregnant? Congrats! Six out of my seven pets accepted our babies, which is pretty good!! The seventh, well, we keep him seperated from the kids with baby gates all over the house. It's like a rat maze. :)

Lisa said...

Just catching up on your blog, so sorry to hear about your Sammi, I am sending good vibes that she recovers!

I also had to comment on those adorable pups in your most recent post...can I have them? ;)

Sunny said...

Catching up on my blogs - I'm so upset about Sammi!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope her med works for her. I love that pic with her name in the sand btw. I pray for you. I really do!