Well, we have had an exciting start to our summer. Our big dog, Loki, was playing with our neighbor's dog and collapsed. He took about an hour to get right again and seemed disoriented for some time. Luckily, we had a vet appointment the next day for vaccinations and we discovered his resting heart rate had fallen to 29-32 beats per minute.(It should be 80) After a failed attempt to medicate him for the problem and an ever falling heart rate (it was 18 at one point), the decision to give him a pacemaker was made. He had his surgery last Tuesday and we are happy to report that he is doing just great. He has to remain immobile for 6 weeks as the leads in his heart take hold, only getting out of his kennel to go to the potty. He is being very good natured about his confinement and is enjoying all the extra kisses and attention he is getting. He is going to be back to his old happy self soon.
I want to thank all of our friends that have called and come over to see him. He is a truly an amazing dog and has touched the lives of a lot of people. We are so happy to have him around for a while longer. For now, with all the staples in his neck, he is known as "Frankenpooch".
A well deserved thank you goes to Dr Michelle France and the U of M cardiology department for all they did for us and all the care they gave Loki. You guys are the best and my special thank you to Dr France for the kindness you gave us during this tough time.
I will continue to update his progress.
Great news! Loki just went for his 6 week exam and the doctor gave him a clean bill of health. His pacemaker is working perfectly and he now is out of his kennel confinement. We even played ball this morning! Funny how the simple things are so special now...
Well, we have had an exciting start to our summer. Our big dog, Loki, was playing with our neighbor's dog and collapsed. He took about an hour to get right again and seemed disoriented for some time. Luckily, we had a vet appointment the next day for vaccinations and we discovered his resting heart rate had fallen to 29-32 beats per minute.(It should be 80) After a failed attempt to medicate him for the problem and an ever falling heart rate (it was 18 at one point), the decision to give him a pacemaker was made. He had his surgery last Tuesday and we are happy to report that he is doing just great. He has to remain immobile for 6 weeks as the leads in his heart take hold, only getting out of his kennel to go to the potty. He is being very good natured about his confinement and is enjoying all the extra kisses and attention he is getting. He is going to be back to his old happy self soon.
