Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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

20 comments:

Opaka said...

Payton it's wonderful to hear that you have some good news from the vet. As for everything else that isn't so good, I think with your fighting spirit and all the juju from the pugs who love you that you'll be fine.

*pug licks*

Gracie the Agility Pug said...

So glad your heart is doing good. The liver thing is worrisome, but you have a way of beating your troubles, so we're counting on you with this too.

Yum, yum on the chewie. Of COURSE you found it!

Meredith LeBlanc said...

Yay Payton! SO glad to hear that your heart is healthy, that's very important good news. As for you liver, we're sending you and it lots of awesome ~~~juju~~~.

Thank you for being such a fighter and having such a wonderful outlook, you and your parents are an inspiration.

♥♥♥
Scarlet & Meredith

Noodles said...

Whew Payton
That is a lot of news. I am so excited that your heart is fine and overall you are fine. I agree. The liver thing could just be a glitch.
Love Noodles

Elgor82 said...

At least you got some good news and you are such a fighter ... keep on kicking that PDE in the butt!!! Pug Hugs from Zoe, Peyton, Webster & Liberty

moPSY+MISIOber said...

Dr Podell looks so nice. Mom was super excited and happy to read about you 99,9% healthy heart, but now is little bit sad because the liver :( Pucia has also some liver problems, and don't want to take medicins :( but she also said she's a fighter just like you, and you both show pug girls power !! but we're sending Polish juju your way. It always helps !! :) lots of love and hugs (one BIG hug from our mom to your mom) PT

Suki said...

Hi Payton,
Like your Mom, my Mom was sad to hear your news. But I had a talk with her & reminder her how much of a fighter you are.

Mom laughed when see saw you looking tough in your sleeveless coat!

Can't wait to hear more about the windy city

Hugs,
Suki

Minnie and Mack said...

Payton, honey, we are so happy to hear about your heart being strong! and are saddened with the liver news. But as everyone has said, you are a fighter and this won't get you down! We love your coat and your t-shirt and blankie. You look so warm and toasty. It must have been really cold in Chicago.

Take are of your mom, give her lots of licks to help her smile! We love you so much,
Minnie and Mack

Chicas Libelulas said...

Hola Payton!!
We are Happy your Heart is fine, but sending lots of good juju & Prayer for your Liver to get better! We know you can do it!!! Love your Trip to Chicago!! love even more those peanut butter braids mmmmmmm! Sending lots of Hugs & Bechos
Spongy,Licky & Patrick

Buddy said...

You got way more wardrobe changes than a celeb!! haha

You'll totally kick butt on your next tst, you show 'em payton!!!!!

Southern Fried Pugs said...

We knew your heart would be okay, but that's what you are, Payton. All heart! You have the heart of a fighter. Maybe not the liver, but your heart will take care of that.
But we know how moms and dads worry, so we'll send our puggy prayers for all of you.

Hank said...

Payton, honey.....that doc looks like a nice fella.

I gotta take steroids, too, fer my irritable bowel syndrome.

You tell yer mom tuh git better!

PEE S: I'm glad ya liked yer blankie! :D

Wilma said...

Payton, that surely is great news about your heart. As far as the liver goes, I am certain your levels will improve. Maybe you had a fatty meal before the blood work! We will be sending you good liver juju, and you keep on fighting the good fight!

Tamara Watson said...

Payton, I'm glad you are feeling optimistic - it's good for you and your parents. Good juju to you!

Punchbugpug said...

Glad to hear your heart is good. You keep fighting cuz your a PDE miracle!!!

Sammy and Neko said...

We are happy for you P! Keep going, you give all of us hope.

Lovies and licks

Pug Slope said...

I'm so glad to hear that your heart test came back with such good results!

17 pounds! P, I think it's a clear sign that you need MORE TREATS! Tell your 'rents that's what Dr. Sid prescribes. Also if they help keep you calm - even better. I'm the opposite when it comes to treats. I can wake up and spring to action whenever I hear my bag of treats opened. I am TUNED IN to that sound!

I'll keep my toes crossed that your liver improves - you're definitely a fighter, Payton. And I'm sure when you start your swimming regiment again in the summer that will help strengthen those little legs of yours.

Oh man, that peanut-butter basted braid made my jaw drop and tongue roll out to the floor. That's sounds deee-lish! I definitely need to make a stop at that place the next time I'm in Chi-town.

-Love,
Sid.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Payton
I just got here and read your news. I am so happy your heart is 99 percent fine- thats the same as 100 percent if you ask me.
And as far as the liver goes- I think you will just kick the bad results out the door, fight hard like you always do and have better results next time.
Your doctor is such a kind hearted doctor, and I know he is taking care of you, but I am going to send healing bubbles to you- to make your liver better. I do expect miracles!
Your so cute in your jacket- its a perfect color for you. I have never had a peanut butter braid- but it sounds so good.
So now, look around you and watch for the magical healing bubbles- and know I also keep you in my puggy prayers.
love
tweedles

Tucker and Lola said...

Payton I am just now getting around to catching up on the blogs after a family tragedy so I am just now seeing this. I am so glad you got a good review and that your heart is 99.9% perfect. Mom has a constant worry here about Tucker's liver because of his medication so she knows what waiting on those liver test results are like. Sorry your results showed a decline but your strong and you will fight this too. I have to tell you girl that peanut butter braid sounds divine!

RebTee said...

Payton! My buddy, Rocco, was just told HE had liver issues too, so you're in awesome company, my friend. Thinking of you LOTS, my buddy.

Lola Pug