Does anyone have any experience with a dog with
tricuspid valve dysplaia? The local SPCA rescued several Pyrs, including
puppies. All have been neutered and adopted except one - Milo a 20 week
old male. Milo has tricuspid valve dysplasia. It was discovered when
a heart murmer was heard before he was neutered. The SPCA had an
echocardiogram done and it confirmed the valve problem calling it "grossly
dysplatic" and that there was "massive 4+ widespread tricuspid
regurgitation" One vet's opinion is that the dog will be likely to
have heart failure before one year of age, and if he makes it that long,
definitely by four.
By now you have all guessed, I went to see
Milo. He is a gorgeous, well socialized little guy who has no idea he has
anything wrong. He is crate trained, nearly house broken, outgoing and
playful. I took him out for a walk and he found a stick that kept him busy
for a half hour throwing it and chasing it in the snow. He licked every
kid's face in the SPCA on the way out the door. I passed the requirements
for adoption and could take him home once my other dogs (both Pyrs) and 9 year
old son meet Milo to see how they react together. BUT am I setting
myself up for major heartbreak ??? Any one had a dog with this problem
? Was it controllable with medication? Milo goes home with a foster
volunteer and plays with a Bernese Mountain dog so he is safe, well cared for
and happy where he is now, but is looking for a longer term home. If he
were living in a cage, he'd already be home with me now regardless of the
outcome. I do have to put in a plug for the
NH SPCA in Stratham, all of the animals are all well cared for and as happy as
they can be in a shelter.
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