Good Days & Bad Days

Harley has her good days and bad days. It seems like she's worse at night (which makes it difficult for us to sleep).

She has been falling down a lot. Some of it has to do with the slippery hardwood floors, but I think the other part is due to her arthritis.

Last night she wasn't feeling too well, but just a short time ago, her and Daisy were running laps around the basement.

Harley's Meds
Oh, I forgot to mention that Daisy ate one of Harley's heart pills the other day. Apparently, Harley wanted the other pill first, so when I gave her the chewable, she spit it out on the floor, and Daisy took it.

Harley's Progress

Although Dr. Bob said that Harley is doing better, and her X-ray proved it, I think she is deteriorating. She was having a difficult time breathing yesterday. She seemed sad too.

Tonight, when I was going to take her for a walk, she slipped on the hardwood floors.....her back legs slid out from under her, and she had a difficult time getting up.

It's so sad to see her getting old. I just don't understand why dogs can't live longer than Parrots!

It's so sad, and I really try to put it out of my mind until she has another episode.

Running Away

I haven't been putting Harley's collars on her because she's having so many problems breathing. When I was weed-whacking today, I looked up and saw her under the neighbor's deck. I had to bring her in. She's a little devil. I know that she knows she's not wearing the collars (and not only because she would get zapped). She goes as far as she can down the driveway, and looks off into the distance like she's going to make a mad dash for it. Then, I have to trick her by telling her that I have ice cream so she will come back.

Harley is still having some breathing issues. Not sure if she should be totally fine or if this is normal. We have a follow-up with Dr. Bob tomorrow. More money! Her pills cost more than any medicine that I have to take, and she has to be on them the rest of her life!

She's so worth it though. She's my baby!

I Always Knew Harley Had a Big Heart!

Harley had another awful night, and so did I! She couldn't get comfy, and she was getting up and down for water. She was panting, sneezing, and coughing too. I cried my eyes out (and everyone who knows me knows that it's rare for me to cry). I just didn't want her to be miserable.

So, I called Dr. Bob again this morning to move forward with the X-rays. The X-rays showed that Harley's heart is extremely large, which is making it difficult for her to breathe. In addition to being on the Diuretic, he now prescribed another drug that she has to take as well. He said I should see an improvement in a few days. Dr. Bob did warn me that she could die in her sleep one day. (I would prefer that's how she goes as long as she is comfortable.)

Before we went into the office, I drove around a bit because I arrived early, and there was a park, so I parked there, and Harley's lip was quivering. I think that she thought I was going to put her to sleep. It was the saddest sight I ever saw. She is so human-like.

I'm so happy it wasn't the "C" word. This is a great Mother's Day present!

Harley and I were both exhausted due to lack of sleep the past few days and we took a little nap together. She snuggled up against my legs, and her breathing was better. Although, it's through the night when it's generally worse.

She kept bringing her toys out this evening. It was so cute, but she's not supposed to really play for a couple of days. Then, I can take her for a short walk and gradually increase the length. She also has to go on Senior dog food now.

I hope that my heart can survive all of this news!

Congestive Heart Failure?

Harley had a terrible night again. I didn't think she was going to make it. For the first few hours, she moved around trying to get comfortable. Then, she'd get a drink of water. She was panting, and finally I got up and logged on to the computer to look up more possible diseases. I came up with Cushing's and Heart Disease.

I called Dr. Bob this morning with an update, and he believes it is her heart. I told him that I didn't think Harley is ready to go, she just wants to be comfortable. Rather than do X-Rays first, he suggested putting her on Lasix, which is a diuretic. He said that I should see quick results if that's the case.

I picked up the drugs and some treats to hide the pills in (why didn't I invent those?).

Harley showed somewhat of an improvement this afternoon. At least she was able to rest comfortably. She is still breathing heavy and panting though.

She was so cute this evening....she took her pink bunny out of the toy basket and snuggled up with it on her bed while I was on the computer. I would have taken a picture, but I didn't want to disturb her since she's afraid of the camera.

I sure hope she has a restful evening.

Whew!

Harley has been giving me quite a scare lately. She's had a hacking cough, and she can't breathe at night. Sometimes she yawns to try to catch her breath. I was really afraid that she was on her way out.

I even got up in the middle of the night and was looking online. I started giving her some honey because they said that helps with the cough, and I think it did, but not with the breathing issues.

I finally called and made an appointment with Dr. Bob. I would be a terrible mom if I didn't.

He said that she appears to be very healthy, and was sort of surprised. He thinks it's just another bout of Kennel Cough, and gave us the appropriate drugs. I have to call him Friday to let him know how she's doing. Otherwise, he wants to do some x-rays, but I sure hope that we don't have to. Dr. Bob was amazed that Harley is 13 years and 8 months. He said she's going to live to be 20 (just like this dog: http://tv.popcrunch.com/worlds-oldest-dog-20-years-chanel-on-today-show-video/).

I sure hope so!