* As a side note here: About 6 months ago, Samson was diagionesed with an enlarged heart with some fluid around it. This was found when I took him in to have his teeth cleaned and they did an xray. The doctor then started him on 1 Lasix (fluid pill) 12.5 mg. 3 months later we did a follow-up xray and it appeared that the heart had gotten a little smaller and some of the fluid was gone. So he increased his dosage of Lasix to 2 times a day. --Samson also takes a thyroid medication...Soloxine .2 mg... it is a very small dosage, taken mainly to control a skin condition that cockers are prone to. (Their skin produces more oil than most)*

May 23, 2000 (Tuesday)

Samson seemed fine all day. We had picked up a stray and after the round of baths, it looked as if Samson had someone to play with. He had tried to play with his brothers (they now live next door), but because of various health problems, they are unable to play. Samson and this new pup ran from one end of the house to another...wrestling each other and playing with toys. They were playing as we left for the movies. When we returned 3 hours later..Samson was in distress. Panting heavily (but with his mouth closed, that was so odd), very restless. He couldn't stay in one position very long..sit, stand, walk, lay...he was so uncomfortable. We had no clue what was going on...he was fine just 3 hours earlier. We were up (Samson & I) until about 4 AM the next morning. As soon as the vet hospital opened on the 24th..we were there.

* I must say a special "Thank you!" to the members of the cocker spaniel list at egroups! Those ladies have been great support...with both prayers and tips. Thanks again! You can sign up for this group on Samson's homepage.*

May 24, 2000 (Wednesday)

I took Samson in to see Dr. Lockhart. He is a great doctor! Samson underwent a battery of tests. Xrays, blood work, you name it. It was found that he had congestive heart failure. And he was definitely in 'crisis' the night before. The blood work also showed that he had a touch of pneumonia. His white blood count was 25 (whatever that meant. The vet increased his Lasix to 4 a day (12.5 mg) and added an antibiotic called Orbax 68 mg. to fight the pneumonia. I am to give him the Lasix 2 at a time...twice a day.

May 25, 2000 (Thursday)

Samson was in distress again last night. It was the same as the night before...he was very restless and having difficulty breathing. I sat up with him and held him most of the night. He was so tired that he would start to fall over and I would catch him. We were up until close to 7 AM...when he finally fell asleep. I had planned on calling the vet that afternoon, but he rested comfortably all day. He even tried to play some with the new pup. So I didn't call, things seemed fine.

May 26, 2000 (Friday)

I called the vet today. We had another bad night. It seems it's worse at night for some reason. Again, we were up all night. I feel so helpless when he gets like this. He looks at me with those cocker spaniel eyes...asking me to make him better..I usually do. But I feel so helpless. All I can do is hold him and pray. I phoned the vet and he had left for the weekend (holiday weekend) so I spoke to Samson's other doctor, Dr. Walker. After explaining what had been happening and filling her in on his medication...she told me I had been giving him his Lasix too close together. The Lasix was to be given 12 hours apart. (This was never explained to me....always ask about the dosage times!) It had also been very humid and rainy here for 2 days, and she said that had alot to do with it. She also told me that I should keep an eye on his tongue. It should stay a pink color. If I notice it turning color...blue, black or purple...I am to get him to the hospital immediately! This sounded very critical. She said I should not even take the time to call...have someone else call to alert them I was coming. (I can see another sleepless night already)

May 27, 2000 (Saturday)

Samson had a great night last night! Praise Jesus! (Never doubt He answers prayer!) He slept all through the night and had a great day today. He seems tired and sluggish..not his usual playful self. But he has had a rough week! Every once in awhile he will cough, but no signs of distress. Although I imagine he's a little frustrated with me checking his tongue all the time! :o)

May 28, 2000 (Sunday)

Wow! We had our worst night ever last night. I really thought I was losing him. In the afternoon, I phoned Dr. Walker and told her of our night...again. Samson was not only in distress all night, but most of Saturday and all of Sunday he refused to drink any water. His appetite is good, same as usual. She said for me to give him Pedialyte or Gatorade. She said most dogs love the flavor! Well...guess what? Yep...Samson hates it! I had to give him some Pedialyte through a turkey baster. She said she also wanted me to sprinkle 'No Salt' on his food. Found in most grocery stores, it is a salt substitute. No sodium. She said that the Lasix depletes the potassium, and this 'No Salt' will not only replace the lost potassium, but may also make him thirsty. She also told me is was alright to give him an extra Lasix if he got into distress again. I wish I had known that last night...he was miserable! Monday being a holiday, she said to have him in there first thing Tuesday morning...unless we needed them, then she would meet us at the hospital.

May 29, 2000 (Monday)

Boy am I glad she said I could give him an extra Lasix. Another bad night last night...will Tuesday ever get here? She had also told me yesterday that I should get him up walking a few times. When he lays for a long period of time, the fluid in his lungs tends to 'pool'. This will cause added 'distress' and could be very dangerous. So about every 2 hours, I take him outside and let him roam the front yard. I sit on the porch and let him walk at his own pace...I figure he knows better what his body can do right now. So...it's back to the doctor tomorrow!

May 30, 2000 (Tuesday)

I still can't believe it. It's been 1 week since our world was turned upside-down. I sometimes feel as though I'm having a terrible nightmare...this came on so suddenly. It has been battle after battle...with no time to get the thought process adjusted.

Back to see Dr. Lockhart. He did the battery of tests again. He said his lungs sounded a LOT better. (But still not clear). The blood work shows that his white blood count is up to 29. (It should be down). That tells us that the pneumonia is not responding to the Orbax. He has a slight fever, but nothing to be too concerned about. So....a change in the medication. Here is what he is on now....

The Enacard is a more aggressive drug to combat the CHF. It should lower his blood pressure so the heart won't have to work so hard. He has also placed Samson on 'Hills Prescription Diet h/d' ...food especially made for heart problems. (Thanks goodness Samson likes it!) He wants to see him again in a week, unless we need to come in sooner.

May 31, 2000 (Wednesday)

Another good day & night before. Samson rested comfortably last night and is sleeping alot today. I imagine his little self is worn out! (Not to mention the antibiotics making him drowsy).

 

That's about it for the month of May...what a month it has been! Follow the dog to the month of June...hopefully it will be better!