Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Amelia health update

  
To start with a refresher or to catch up those who may not know, Amelia was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This rare disease typically goes undetected until it's too late and a pet drops dead unexpectedly. Thankfully, 2 years ago my vet heard a murmur in her heart and we had a heart ultrasound done and we caught it. This disease causes a thickening of the heart walls.  While we have not been able to reduce the thickness, with medication and proper monitoring we have been able to slow down the progression.

So, bringing this to the current moment, Amelia had her yearly heart ultrasound on Monday. In comparison to last year, the addition of a new medication has helped the blood flow and her left atrium has improved because of it. However, her left ventricular walls have continued to thicken. We've increased her medication and bumped her yearly ultrasounds up to every 6 months.

Knowing that we could have lost Amelia tragically 2 years ago if this went undetected makes every day with her a gift. She could be the furthest from the vision of a heart patient. She's happy, spunky, energetic, athletic and wiggles more than you've ever seen. Don't bother trying to tell her she has a heart condition, because she won't believe you.

We knew Amelia's life span would be shortened when we adopted her, but we knew in our home she would have the vet care that she needed. We also knew we had the ability to love her for however long we were graced with her joyful personality. Although the results we received on Monday weren't miracle words, I'm so happy her disease hasn't progressed as quickly as it could have. So, we're happy she'll be our little wiggle worm for another bit longer. 

10 comments:

  1. gifts come in many different packages don' t they! hugs stella rose and momma

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  2. Dear Amelia's Mom and Dad
    You've made her heart stronger with your love.
    Love Noodles

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  3. She may just prove to be a little miracle girl who just won't give in :)

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  4. We have our paws crossed the meds will work for your other side too
    Lily & Edward

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  5. Hey Amelia!
    Wow, you have the most loving heart ever and it's being watched with lots of love too! So glad most things are better now, and I know you bring lots of joy to your house.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Police Commish

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  6. So glad she found you and got a real chance at life. Our foundling, Sebastian, has some pretty serious health issues that we're still discovering. I wonder if that's why his former owner never looked for him.

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  7. Amelia is a lucky little dog to have you! You're providing her with a happy loving home for as long as she needs one, and that's what it's all about!

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  8. Amelia is a lucky little dog to have you! You're providing her with a happy loving home for as long as she needs one, and that's what it's all about!

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  9. God knew what he was doing when he placed Amelia with you. She's one very lucky girl to have a family that can make sure she gets the medical care she needs.

    I was thinking about this the other day -- I really hope that you end up adopting Diamond too!

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  10. You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!!
    Natural healthcare tips

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