We took Archie to the vet's on Monday. It was time for his annual booster jab, but he was also due for a medication review and he had a health check too.
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The verdict - his heart murmur is extremely loud and is at the most severe stage, he's been living with this for a number of years now, it's caused by mitral valve disease which is common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He doesn't have any symptoms which show that the disease is progressing at this stage, so that's good. He's also got a number of lumps and bumps (haven't we all) which the vet thinks are nothing more than fatty lumps, something very common in dogs and not harmful. Obviously, we're not 100% sure that this is what they are, but Archie is absolutely fine in himself and they don't seem to be bothering him at all, so we're happy to just keep a close watch on him, as we always do anyway, at this stage.
Archie is twelve now, he's definitely slowing down, but he still enjoys life. His tail wags when he's taken for a walk, he's happy to greet other dogs and say hello, and he acts like a puppy when there's any food around. I'm always worried though when he has a vet appointment and it's such a relief when the vet's happy with him, as she was on this occasion.
How are your dogs and cats finding the heat? Archie's been struggling. We keep his fur quite short all the time now as we can tell he's happier when he hasn't got a long coat. His last grooming appointment was three weeks ago but even so, this hot weather doesn't make for a happy doggy. We've been walking him early morning and early evening in the coolest parts of the day, but even so, it's still warm. I believe that storms are forecast tomorrow, perhaps they will clear the air a little and make life more bearable for him.
So glad the vet is pleased with him, he does look a happy chap! Little Rosie is struggling with the heat, she will seek shade which is good.
ReplyDeleteOur cat has an irregular heartbeat and we were told when we took him to the vet that it was 'all over the place' and would 'eventually catch up with him'. He's at least 14 and probably older. He's not enjoying the really hot weather but is in the house in the cooler rooms most of the day. He does go and curl up on a pot in the garden in the shade in the evening. I'm like Archie, I don't like the heat either! 21 degrees C and a nice breeze is my best temperature.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and keep cool...
Ellie
Our cats do find their own shade, neither liked to be brushed, but Grace our oldest cat has let me take loads of her fur out with the comb.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cutie!
ReplyDeletePets are a worry as they get older. I'm glad that Archie's check up went OK. Our Millie is 17 now and you can tell, she has arthritis and is a bit wobbly. She has never liked the heat, preferring to stay indoors until the day is cooler, Molly on the other hand is a sun worshiper, lol she will bask in sun for as long as she can stand it!
ReplyDeleteOur dogs are 14 and are definitely slowing down (and Pilot has lots of those lumpy bumps!) and we treasure every day with both! Wags and barks to Archie.
ReplyDeleteYou take good care of Archie and he's a happy little chap and the vet is happy with him so that's good. Tilly has been groomed and she's booked in every six weeks now and I walk her earlyish every morning then keep her indoors for the rest of the day. With her being black it's a worry that she will overheat so I don't take any chances and always carry water for her. Give Archie a little gentle hug from me x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Archie is okay. He always appears so happy and content.
ReplyDeleteIt has been lovely and warm here this week, so Mog has been conspicuous in her absence. She takes herself off into the long grass in the field or in the shade beneath a tree. Xx
Good to read that the vet is happy with Archie, I do like that photograph of him.
ReplyDeleteWe do not have any pets, but it makes sense to go for a walk with Archie when the temperatures are cooler.
All the best Jan
Archie sounds like our Nell she has heart problems but still enjoys her life, 13 now so has slowed down and now sleeps in our bedroom in her cage, her favourite place.. we never had her in our bedroom till last year when we moved here. to a bungalow. She is such a love,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the vet is pleased with Archie. He's so adorable! 🐶 💕
ReplyDeleteSo glad his checkup went well & as I've met him, am always glad to hear when his health report is good for a 12 year old. The hot weather must be quite bad as I'm reading so many blogs complaining about the heat, though I sometimes think we all moan about hot/cold extremes.(giggle). Take care & hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear Archie's check up went well, it must be such a relief. It has been so hot, not much fun for those covered in hair. It's a good idea to go for a walk early as he'd miss all those delicious smells without his usual exercise.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the vet was happy with Archie.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see that Archie is doing so well given his age.
ReplyDeleteI sympathise about not liking the warm weather as I certainly don't either. xx
Such good news - and a huge relief for you that the vet checkup went well. Archie is looking super for an elderly gentleman, so credit to you & Mick for the way you care for him. xx
ReplyDeleteGood news indeed, Jo. Our pets are such important parts of our lives. Sorry you are experiencing extreme heat in England. I will be in London next month and I hope it's cooler then. We have heavy rains but not so hot in PA -- seems your weather and mine have switched with you getting heat and us getting rain.
ReplyDeleteGlad things are status quo. How bout a childs swimming pool so he can get in the water in your back yard to cool off? My neighbor used to do that for her dogs when the heat would be high and they seemed to really like it. 12, that's a long time isn't it?
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
So glad to hear that all is well with your wonderful Archie.
ReplyDeleteSuch a handsome boy, I'm glad he's doing okay. That's a lovely photo of him, his ears are divine. I hope he's finding it cooler now as well. I have to stop Bertie from going and lying in the sun. I don't think he realises it makes him pant. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteWe do so worry about our pets, so pleased he is doing ok xcx
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