When we found that our puppy Fiona Belle aka Fi Bee had a birth defect called PDA (patent ductus arteriosis) we couldn't imagine what was going to happen. My Husband supported whatever I finally decided to do. We got her tested by our wonderful Cardiologist Dr Kirstie Barrett, Head Cardiology Specialist with VCA Hospitals. 

The results of the tests showed no damage had been done to her heart at this time so we were good to go. Fi Bee was a great candidate for the less invasive surgery.  They feed a coil via a catheterized large vessel into the heart to block the open vessel and stop the flow of blood through it. Fred and I were very  thankful that they didn't have to open her chest. We left hoping that everything would work out, the stars would align, and Fi Bee would come home on Saturday!

Dr Barrett spoke to us several times before we took Fi Bee home on.... Yes, Saturday. We had to keep her quiet, no playing, no jumping no running, until she is seen again on the 6th of June to have her stitches removed. We were given instructions as to her medications, Antibiotic 14 days with food, and a pain pill for 5 days. I had brought the Comfy Cone with me when I dropped her off Thursday and I'm so happy I did. It is soft and made of indestructible nylon which can be turned back for eating and drinking and it is also soft to lay on.

When I saw her x-rays and the little devise that was used to close the artery I couldn't imagine how that tiny device was put in place! Amazing, was all I could say. Dr Kirstie Barrett you and your team are heroes...... and we can't thank you enough Dr. B, for finding and fixing this adorable little puppy. There really are angels among us...................................

Fiona Belle aka Fi Bee, is 4 months old now and was diagnosed with PDA in early April by her DVM Cardiologist Specialist, here in Los Angeles, Dr Kirstie Barrett. We now have a surgery date May 21st a Thursday afternoon.

Fi Bee, is a very active and happy baby girl, she has gained weight and grown and I've noticed a decidedly vocal sensibility when she tells us it's time to eat, or look what I've just done. All Cavalier King Charles have a sweet disposition and our beautiful Tri Color girl is no exception.  

Dr B told us that she will have the non invasive catheter procedure. Hello, this is such good news!!!!!!!!!! We should not give her any food after midnight on the 20th, although she can drink water, and we should drop her off at around 9ish the next morning. Dr Barrett still doesn't want Fi Bee to go outside mingling with other dogs because of infection before surgery and this has been a bit challenging.....  we live on the second floor and only have a front terrace.  As she sits looking down watching the other dogs pass by and at the birds flying above, she must think her life will always be like this, but soon enough Miss Fi Bee will join her other Furry Pawed Friends and life will be good.

Since we are dealing with a PDA early diagnosis.........

patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Dr Kirsten Barrett Cardiology Specialist told me in an email the night before, that I would have to leave Fi Bee with her at the hospital for about 4 hours the next morning April 16th. So having dropped our puppy, we were then told that they would call us after Dr B. analyzed all the available tests today, some will have results days later, and tell us just what was what so far. It was now 10:00am.

At 3:30pm we get the call we've been waiting for and go to the hospital.  We, Fred and I, were taken to exam room 10 (I have spent too much time in this room in the past) and here comes one exhausted puppy, Dr B. and an Intern. Well it is good news Dr B. said, Fi Bee was terrific during all the testing.  She also said Fi Bee may be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery rather than the more invasive open chest surgery. The Heart was normal size and no damage has been done so far! This was very big news. Dr B. couldn't be more thrilled that the choice was made for surgery here in California and the surgery team was hers, she predicted, if all goes well,( after all surgery is surgery) this playful adorable puppy will live a normal life.

Now next......   the team of doctors that will determine whether it is one surgery or the other. Yes, there will be a team headed as we said before by Dr Kirsten Barrett working on this little girl, 7 to be exact ,and they conference on a Thursday to review our case and then she will schedule all to do the surgery a Thursday in the next 2 weeks.

We are now waiting for the email from Dr Barrett for the final decision as to which surgery it will be and what we have to do beforehand. Fred, David, Sara and I, (our immediate family) are waiting for tomorrow. Thursday April 23rd. And the Blog goes on........... guardedly optimistic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be continued...FiBee...A Journey with Our Puppy (Part 4)