Chainsaw dx confusion continued...

[Loconn55]

Chainsaw was having a hard time breathing and the medical director is in today, so she had me bring him in early (we'd planned an ultrasound tomorrow).

And now the plot thickens: On looking at the films and examining him, she said that while the heart is definitely enlarged and pushing on the trachea, she still thinks that it's most likely an airway issue somewhere in the throat and she wants to do some more blood tests and examine him further rather than do a cardiac ultrasound (which is $400).

She asked if he sneezes (no) or reverse sneezes (hardly ever) and said she'd noticed that he breathed better when the assistant put her finger on the side of his neck to stop the bleeding from the bloodwork stick -- and she also said it was interesting that one side of his diaphragm is moving in and out quite a bit while the other side doesn't move much at all.

She's going to look at him some more today and take some more x-rays to check and to send out to a radiologist for interpretation. She also wants us to take him to a specialist @ UC Davis so I'll be heading down to Sacto soon -- oh how I wish I'd taken him there in the first place! The exam is only $100, she thought, but they may want to do an MRI and further testing, and I'm broke, so I've got to hustle a lot of overtime work asap.

I'm kind of frazzled about all this conflicting info, but I got a sense that she's smart, informed and attentive. And, since I was already consigning him in my mind to an early death from CHF, I'm feeling kind of optimistic. If the surgeon's right about the trachea and larynx looking OK (though who knows, with his track record?), maybe there's just some other wiggle farther down in the airway that can be fixed, and he can be saved.

I'm kind of relieved they're keeping him today, as I'm so behind in my work from spending hours chasing him with the oxygen cannula. Now I can put in a 10-hour day and make some $ to fix him. VIVA CHAINSAW!

[AMC7181]

It sounds like you've found a knowledgeable doctor and it's a good sign if you were comfortable with her. I hope they're able to find out once and for all what's going on with Chainsaw. Good luck!

[tall grass pugs]

You are wonderful to persist in helping him, even down to chasing him with the cannula (wish you had a video). Thank you for stepping up to the plate.

[Frodos mom]

for Chainsaw. for you.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

Goodness what a roller coaster ride with this little one! Hoping for good news!

Take care,
Lisa

[CountryPug]

Over time, breathing issues can cause heart problems, so it could be a combination of the two you are seeing. Since he's already had three surgeries, I would hate to put him through another one. If they are certain it's something they can fix this time and without causing more problems....then maybe, maybe not. You will have to make that call. I'm curious see if the Lasix will help him any. Keeping Chainsaw in my prayers!

[Wonka & Nilla]

Continued good thoughts for Chainsaw.

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

Oh, goodness, I do hope you can get some definitive answers soon. Bless you for hanging in there with your Puggie. Keeping you both in my prayers.

[maryluvspugs]

praying for good news. hang in there!

[Shiloh'sdaddy]

Shiloh and I have fingers and paws crossed for the cause!!!