[ Post a Response | Rhodesian Ridgebacks And Friends ]
Posted by Vic
on October 28, 2009, 5:05 pm
96.50.41.215
So our boy Mason, who is four, raw fed, healthy and energetic, had some problems this morning. When I awoke and passed him curled up I noticed him shivering in his bed which is a bit strange but it was a bit chilly in the room, so I didn't think much of it. After I got ready and started to leave the room he tried to get up to follow me, hesitated and was really unsteady to get up. He was shivering the whole time his back end seemed really unsteady. He dropped to the floor. When he did manage to get up he had a bit of a roached back. Clearly in pain although not anywhere specific and no other symptoms.
So clearly something was up and we took him to the vet. They took his vitals and heart rate 220 which the vet explained to be extremely high for a young healthy large breed dog. They thought that improper blood flow could be the reason for the weakness. ECG came back without any obvious arrythmias and he improved somewhat in the vet's office. Heart rate went down although still high and vet thought she heard a soft murmur. They sent us home with instructions to monitor his heart rate and see what happens and to consider an ultrasound of his heart next.
He did not do any significant exercise yesterday nor can I think of anything he got into which might have poisoned him. He was completely normal yesterday and last night. Assuming there isn't anything else causing the heart rate, they want to investigate his heart for dilated cardiomyopathy. I've not heard much about heart problems in ridgebacks.
I know it's a long shot and you're not vets, but has anyboy experienced anything like this? He's home resting, and he did eat but is still shivering while he sleeps. Poor luv I wish I could figure out what it is or make him more comfortable.
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