Heading to the Vet

Ronni, I'm glad he's on a treatment plan that will help him. He's so cute, great photo! Nice that he's so friendly, my old neighbor had a Chihuahua that was aggressive, growled and charged at everyone he could, was often allowed to be loose in front of his house, so I often had to watch my ankles when I was outside. He also bit his owner numerous times. I see a lot of friendly mellow Chihuahuas at the dog park.
 

Hoping the new treatment plan will work & help keep him comfortable for a long time. Bless you for your loving care.
 
Ronni said:
So, the bad news is that Tango a small mitral valve leak revealed on the echocardiogram, crackle sounds in his lungs, some tracheal occlusion, and increased carpal hyperextension bilaterally (we already knew that part, and that it's gotten worse...the breakdown of connective tissue in his legs.) The good news is that the cardiac issues, though progressive, are minor, and that the crackle sounds are most likely bronchitis (chronic, at this point) and while there is no cure, he's on a treatment plan that will reduce his symptoms and make him more comfortable. He charmed everyone at the Clinic with his atypical chihuahua behavior, gave out abundant licks and snuggles in spite of his obvious nervousness, and converted even more folks to the breed. Team Chi for the win!! :D:love_heart:

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Thank goodness. At least more time with your little doggie.
 

Ruth n Jersey said:
How is your little Tango? Is the medication helping?
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Thanks so much for checking,Ruth.

It's helped some. It isn't the miracle cure that I hoped it would be. The vet thinks his larynx is also involved. Likely it;s collapsed some which is a common thing amongst the smaller breeds, even though he's never been subjected to a collar pulling at his neck which is a typical reason for collapsed larynx in larger dogs. The vet can do further testing, but it requires imaging, and that's getting up into a range of cost that I just can't manage. And the treatment for a collapsed larynx is surgery at a significant cost, with dubious results. Basically it's inserting a tube to expand the larynx, but its placement and stability is difficult for all breeds, and even more so for the tiny ones like Tango.

So, basically I'm doing nothing. He's suffering from other health issues and has already outlived his expected life span. But he's happy and upbeat and as goofy as he ever was, and as long as that maintains we're good. So far nothing has gotten him down. I wish I had the spirit and energy he has 24/7!!
 

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