Holiday Rewind...PDE check-up in Chicago

The very first morning after arriving at our great downtown hotel, we headed to Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center for my routine check-up with Dr. Podell.  Well, I've got some really good, no great, news to share and some not so good. 

You may remember that back in November I told you about my fainting incident and consequent trip to my local vet for an XRAY of my heart that showed enlargement.  So instead of waiting on the first floor as I usually do, I got to ride on the elevator up to the 3rd floor to see the resident cardiologist.  I guess since I was seeing two doctors, I was had to wear one of the hospital name tags (red band on my harness).

The cardiologist was very nice and took me in the back for an ecocardiogram after reviewing the XRAYs.  We were done in no time flat.  Technology is amazing!  When he came back in the exam room, there was a big smile on his face.  Turns it was just as Southern Fried Pugs' momma suggested, that the XRAY could be misleading depending on when in the cycle of breath/pumping it was taken.  The cardiologist said we'd be surprised to know how different the contracted and fully expanded heart size can be.  He went on to tell us that my heart is 99.9% healthy!  What a relief!  We aren't sure what triggered my fainting episode or what might be causing my labored breathing when I get excited, but treats tend to help settle me, and I'm more than fine with that treatment.  But I think mom and dad will likely talk to my local vet to see if they have any ideas.

Dr. Podell was also happy that I got a good report from the cardiologist!  And he was so impressed with how great I am doing.  I always get excited to see him and make sure he knows I still got some spunk!  Dr. P was so nice to let mom take a picture of us together.

He performed the standard neurological exam while mom and dad talked about my recent weight loss and decreased balance.  I don't know if I ever told you all, but I used to always hover around 20 lbs, but now I'm a skinny 17lbs.  Dr. Podell agreed that he can see that the response in my legs have worsened.  Prolonged steroid use can weaken and degrade muscle.  He thinks this is probably the case with me even though I'm almost 9.  So now I'm on two new supplements (I have added them to my PDE treatment post which can also be found on my PDE page).  Dr. P wants to make sure that he doesn't let my body fail me any sooner than it has to.  Mom and dad are so grateful to have such a caring person looking after my best interests.  My mom is also going to check my records and find out when my weight might have started dropping to see if it may have coincided with my diet change.  Well, shortly after we got home from Chicago, Dr. Podell called with some bad news.  My liver levels have increased noticeably from last check-up.  There's really nothing that can be done to stop it.  Mom was noticeably depressed, which probably added to her head cold, so I made sure to stay close and snuggle longer.  She needs to remember that I'm a fighter!  We've had bad news before and I managed to surprise everyone, so don't worry!  We'll kick butt on that test next time.  And I'll be sure to keep you all updated.

After my appointment, I made a short pit-stop outside.  I made sure to wear my sleeve-less coat again for some city street cred!  Hehee!

Then mom and dad surprised me with a trip to Dog-a-holics!  You may remember that I had a thing for a certain basted peanut butter braid the last time I was there.  Well, I didn't forget about it!  They moved it, but I found the bin.

I got a treat from the case and then we were on our way back to the hotel.  More city fun to share tomorrow!

Love,
Payton