Had to take dog to vet--I'm scared! UPDATE POSTED

[wendyl]

Need some happy thoughts and pixie dust.

My husband just left to take Dixie to the vet--they want to test her for Heartworms. I'M TERRIFIED! She started "coughing" and so we called our friend who's Dad is a vet--he told us to bring her in this morning so they could test--said coughing is a sign.

I'm trying not to break out crying writing this--it's hard. She is the sweetest, most loving dog in the world.

Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Serena]

Sure thing, I hope it's something easy and simple to fix.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Animals become such a major part of the family. I feel for you and will keep my fingers crossed. Please keep us informed.

 

[Big V]

I hope Dixie is Ok. Please keep us updated.

 

[eeyoreforever]

Sending good wishes for Dixie. Hope everything turns out ok. Let us know what you find out.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Our dog companion and best pal, Scamper, had heartworms. The treatment was scary and rather expensive - still can't figure out if he was spitting out the pills or what but he got the darned things in spite of the meds. He had to be hospitalized and had an IV and was sick for a while but he did great and lived many years after.

Don't panic. If its heartworms there's still a good chance your dog will be fine.

 

[stamper]

Hoping for good news! Keep us posted....

 

[browneyes]

Good luck to Dixie.

 

[MinnieMe2]

My basset puppy was very ill at the end of 2003. In fact, I think I posted here that she was dying -- but she didn't die, she's still with us. My greatest fears stemmed from the fact that she was very ill and all the diseases she was tested for at Tufts are fatal. But the tests were all either negative or inconclusive. The final diagnosis was Coon Hound Paralysis, which can be fatal -- or not. I'm pleased to say that in Matilda's case, CHP wasn't fatal and she continues to recover and delight us with her antics.

Why am I telling you this? Because maybe your little one's cough is something other than heartworm. And if it is heartworm, she can be treated. And because I know the anxiety and heartbreak of having your best little cuddle bug critically ill.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope your posting a good-news update very soon.

 

[DisneyObsessed]

I truly hope Dixie is OK. Please keep us posted.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hoping Dixie feels better soon, wendyl. We know well how the little guys are so much a part of our families. My best. Let us know how she does.

 

[Feralpeg]

Was she on heartworm preventative? If so, I doubt that it is heartworm. If it is, I do know dogs that have had heartworm and recovered. In this area of the country, our dogs are on heartworm preventative year round. If it gets above freezing for any period of time, mosquitos can hatch and dogs can become infected. I have mine tested once a year even though they are on the medicine.

I hope your baby is okay!

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Don't worry....if coughing is the only thing she is doing, it could be many other things...could be something simple like Bordatella (Kennel Cough). Don't be scared, as others have posted, even if it is heartworm she will have a good chance to survive...

I took the liberty of looking up other symptoms for heartworm: dull coat, lack of energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, perhaps fainting spells and an enlarged abdomen. Does your dog have one or more of these? If it's just coughing, I think she is probably fine.

 

[jocon]

Best of luck to Dixie and your family!

 

[MerryPoppins]

My dog got heartworms, as well. She had a rough time of it and we had to limit her exercise for a while, but she lived a long and happy life after she had them. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Dixie just has a cold.

 

[wendyl]

Thank God--Negative on Heartworm Test!!

She had an ear infection--but that is all the Dr could find--maybe she has irritation in her throat from ear being messed up. Poor Baby--anyway, she is home now, and doing fine.

Thanks for all your support!

 

[Big V]

Great news! Thanks for the update. If Dixie isn't on heartworm meds, get her on them please!

 

[wendyl]

She's on them

 

[Big V]

Great!

 

[stamper]

Yay....that's great news! An ear infection is way better than heartworms!