Lily Went To The Doctor

In July 2014, Lily was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Disease. It is not unusual for Cavaliers to have difficulties with inherited cardiac mitral valve disease. As our Vet says, "Cavaliers are the 'poster children' for heart murmurs."  A slight heart murmur was detected a few years ago and Lily has been regularly monitored. Through the years she has had a cough that was more annoying than anything else.

Lily is 10 years old , born November 13, 2005 - recent Birthday! At birth she was 4 inches long and weighed only 4 ounces! We have been blessed with a very healthy and wonderful pet until recently. At the time of her diagnosis she was experiencing multiple symptoms which included shortness of breath and rapid heart rate and respirations. At that time I was faced with potentially very high future veterinary bills and I knew my budget would never be able to stretch thin enough to handle hundreds of dollars of veterinary bills. My Special Friend (passed away December 2014) was with me and insisted that Lily receive treatment and he would take care of the expenses. What a Blessing. Lily has responded well to her treatment and the Vet has been wonderful by keeping the high dollar diagnostic studies at a minimum. In addition since May of this year her care has been managed with very regular telephone contacts from the Vet and medication (which are very very expensive) adjustments have been made based on symptomatology.

We had come to the point where I felt that it was time to get a current medical status. I chose to "bite the bullet" so to speak and  go forward with X-rays and Lab Studies, etc. She is in excellent health except for her very enlarged heart and persistent intensified cough and gag. Otherwise, her behaviors have all been normal. She even plays with her toys every day. She seems to be a very Happy Little Love Bug. The long and short of the story is $617.00.

My plan is to go day by day but no more high dollar care. Reportedly, her life expectancy is 12 years. I think she has had a good life and the day will come for Goodbye. WOW, it is horrible to even think that.

Now it is time to go play with Lily and smother her with lots of hugs and kisses!

Love Your Pets - - - and Your People!

Mary