The most recent report this a.m. follows:
"I just spoke to the doctor again. Lizzy is still having a lot of abnormal heart beats and is in a 'dangerous heart rhythm', which is putting her at risk of cardiac arrest.
"They've put her on constant Lidocaine to regulate her heart beat, as they don't want it jumping around. The Lidocain has been helping, but as soon as they take her off of it, her heart goes back to irregular beats. Her heart is beating too fast and is starting at the ventricle instead of the atrial. I asked my Mom about this; she said her heart is starting to beat at the bottom of her heart instead of the top, it's called ventricular tachacardia (sp?). It's not good.
"Her pulse is poor and sometimes cannot be felt. They think her heart muscle may be inflamed but don't know for sure if it's a result of the heartworms themselves, or the treatment. I learned something I didn't realize before - even without treatment, the heartworms can cause blood clots & heart failure.
"They rechecked her blood and it's looking more normal, although her one liver enzyme is still high. High end is 100 and she's at 743 - she was at 772 yesterday. Her protein level has dropped some from 5.3 to 4.3. Her hydration has improved.
"Her last vomiting was at 4:00 a.m. If she holds her own, they hope to offer her some food later today. She is on IV fluids & electrolytes."
Please send all your best Zen/prayers for this adorable lovebug.
May 2007
CONTINUE WITH THE SAGA OF
LIZZY IN THE HEART OF TEXAS HERE
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