Pet of the Month! Charlie!
Charlie is a 13 year 8 month old chihuahua that we have been treating since May 2022. Charlie has a condition called Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) as well as Renal Failure.
Mitral valve disease is a common heart disease in dogs caused by age-related changes to the valves of the heart. MVD is most commonly seen in older, small breed dogs (including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Terriers, Schnauzers, Bichons, and Poodles), but can also be seen in our medium to large breed dogs (Spaniels, Lurchers, Labrador Retrievers).
The mitral valve is the thin, delicate tissue that separates the two chambers on the left side of the heart: the left atrium (top chamber) and the left ventricle (bottom chamber). In MVD, the valve becomes irregular and droopy; this results in an imperfect seal and leakage through the valve. This backward leakage (called mitral regurgitation) is turbulent and can be heard on examination as a heart murmur. We asked Charlie’s owner a few questions about Charlie:
1. What is Charlie’s favourite thing to do at home?
Charlie's favourite thing to do at home, or anywhere, is to sleep. He loves to be cuddled and to lay on your chest while you are watching TV.
2. What do you enjoy the most about Charlie?
He's small, adorable, cuddly and warm. He's loyal and he blows the "stereotypical chihuahua" vision out of the water. Charlie is the perfect companion lap dog.
3. How did you know that Charlie was unwell?
At first Charlie developed a cough we assumed he was under the weather. The next morning Charlie's breathing was wheezy and he didn't seem right. We phoned James Horner Vets and was given a same day appointment.
4. Have you looked further into his conditions?
We have looked high and low into his condition. There probably isn't a page on Google we haven't seen. Not that we might have understood a lot of it but that's where James Horner vets can help.
5. What advice would you give to others?
Charlie being our very loved and loyal family member we were very upset by his diagnosis. It felt like the end. However when spotted early enough by a qualified vet things can be managed, not cured perhaps, but managed. The medications Charlie is on for his heart failure affect his kidneys so its imperative to keep regular check ups with your vet. Diet is also an important factor in keeping your dog happy and healthy.
6. How did the Wellness Subscription Plan help you?
The wellness plan offered by James Horner vets is a brilliant life line for your beloved pet. Being able to have Charlie on the gold wellness subscription plan and being able to walk in and see a vet is crucial for a pet with a chronic illness. Many times we have had to make an ad hoc appointment and these are covered on the gold plan, plus the discount is very useful if your pet is on repeat prescription medicine.