Hunchback

[AZChins]

There really wasn't an attitude...I was explaining what I have seen and what I have had vets say. I never said not to go to the vet...I always tell everyone to go to the vet. And, most of the time the treatment for a thin chin is going to be to start caring for it properly. At this point we don't know if it is a liver problem or maybe an infection or even something else.

Could you share some experiences with treating liver issues? A better explanation of the treatment would be a good start. I've never been given that as an option. Most of the time euthanasia is the only option given for fatty liver or liver damage.

 

[momenteller]

Could you share some experiences with treating liver issues? A better explanation of the treatment would be a good start.

OP here! I'd be interested in hearing, also. Would it be okay if I printed out said info and brought it to the vet appt? As stated, I am not too sure how much experience this vet has with chins but would like to give him a try as he does see exotics and is local.

 

[ticklechin]

When Gino lost 300 grams in one month hepatic lipidosis was very real, liver enzymes were checked and treatment discussed. Vit B complex and Vit K injections, milk thistle and green tea supplements, high protein diet which I questioned. A full blood panel specifically checking for liver enzymes to start with.

 

[Jazicat]

Just wanted to say that I hope that Cleo has a good vet visit and is better soon.

 

[momenteller]

Thanks Jessica! Can you PM again the name of that vet you visited? I went thru my PMs briefly but couldn't find it. I'd love to have it in case the guy down here isn't helpful.

 

[momenteller]

Just got back from the vet. He said Cleo, overall, seems very healthy. He did hear a quiet heart murmur. He said he would do a blood panel test for me if I wished, but felt she would be exhibiting other signs of illness if she did indeed have liver or kidney problems. He said her teeth and gums look great, coat looks good, activity level normal, and hunchback only minor. He guesses it was a genetic abnormality rather than nutritional deficiency or illness because her overall condition is good.

Sooo... What do I do now? Should I go back and ask for a blood test? I can get just a chemistry test for $144, chemistry/blood cell test for $184, and/or a full body x-ray for $104 (to look at the spine curvature and see if there are any complications from the heart murmur.)

 

[Jazicat]

I don't know much so all I can offer is moral support. I know that doing the tests can give you peace of mind if another visit to the vet wouldn't overly stress Cleo. I also know though that you are a great mom to your chins and have a good feel for them so I'd get more advice and trust your gut.

 

[ticklechin]

Did the vet say what class murmur is was? Since the vet is the one who saw the chin and says it looks pretty good I would IMO not do anything more other than ask what class the murmur was. If its less than a 3 the chin can live a long life-Dante has a 2 and he is 17. If the murmur is a 4 or more there can be heart issues in the future.

 

[momenteller]

Hi Dawn, thanks for replying. No, the vet did not say what class the murmur was. I almost asked but wasn't sure if I had the terminology right... Anyway, he said it was very faint. He also said murmurs can be easily misdiagnosed in chins but that he was fairly certain that's what he was hearing. He told me to be on the lookout for loss of appetite, that that could signal further heart difficulties. Anything else I should watch out for? I will call on Monday and ask for the murmur class.

I'm was really worried that I wasn't doing the right thing by not demanding further testing. But I'm completely willing to pay for that if knowledgeable members on here advise me to. If no one else thinks its necessary, as the vet didn't, that would be great news for Cleo!

 

[ticklechin]

Early symptoms Gino had was getting tired very quick during play, loss of appetite, increase of urine output with not seeing increase of drinking-his urine was clear. He started to look inflated, the ears and lips were dusty blue and finally the clicking breathing-the breathing at rest looked strange and you could hear a click when he inhaled. Congestive heart failure from the murmur can be treated in chins with no other health issues, Gino had malo, with Lasix and Lisinopril-the lasix removed the excess fluid from the body and the lisinopril opens the blood vessels so the heart does not have to work as hard.

 

[momenteller]

Just wanted to follow up on this. I heard back from the vet office and the murmur is listed as a class 2. I'm not going to pursue further testing at this time, but if I'll be on the lookout for any symptoms mentioned by Dawn.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[ticklechin]

2 is not bad, Dante has a 2 and he is 17!