Cardio Consult

3/29/10 - 10 weeks - 23.5 lbs
We took Hines to see the cardiologist Dr. Spier today. Hines had his ECHO.

From our discharge instructions:
Based on today's finding, we believe that Hines has two congenital heart defects. The first is a ventricular septal defect, or VSD. It is basically a hole between the left and right ventricles, which allows blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right. In the presence of a large defect, significant blood flow between the chambers occurs, which can overload the heart and cause congestive heart failure. Fortunately, in Hines' case the defect is small, and at this time does not appear to be causing any cardiac changes.

The second congenital heart defect is a condition consistent with subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). This is caused by a narrowing below the aortic valve resulting in an increase in blood velocity across the left ventricular outflow tract. This narrowing increases the resistance to blood flow, making the heart have to work harder to eject blood. As a consequence, dogs with more severe SAS are at risk for fatigue of the heart muscle (resulting in heart failure) and development of dysrhythmias (causing syncope and sudden death). He is also at risk for an infection of the aortic valve (endocarditis), making antibiotics necessary in the event of any surgery, laceration, bite wounds, etc.

Basically:

Hines has the two above mentioned defects. Dr. Spier said that the VSD is small and would normally cause no problem. However, it will most likely complicate the SAS. The SAS is considered high-moderate. They measured the pressure of the blood flow through the stenosed area at 70 mmHg. The moderate range of pressures is 40-80 mmHg. Hines can also stop the Lasix. He doesn't think that heart failure will be his demise. He believes that Hines will at some point develop a lethal dysrhythmia that will take his life. He will be on life long beta-blocker therapy to help decrease the workload of his little heart. Dr. Spier gave him roughly 3 years but said there is no way to know for sure. Because of the potential for the SAS to get worse over time we will see Dr Spier again in 6-8 months for a follow up.

We are devastated but holding up well. We plan to keep raising Hines as we would a normal Cane Corso. Hines and I went by PetCo on the way home to sign up for puppy classes. We start April 17th. I am excited that PetCo offers puppy, adult basic, and Canine Good Citizen training classes. :) We want Hines to bE CGC certified for sure (both of his parents were CGC). The trainer also told me that they will be offering therapy classes soon as well. We would LOVE if we could get him therapy certified and share him with hospitalized children and adults suffering from heart disease. :*) But that just depends on how he does. Its one day at a time with this little nugget. :) Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and wishes.... We love you all!

He and Amy do kinda look alike... LOL Don't ya think?? :)