Emma's Big L'il Heart

Hello, big world! Little Emma here (fka Ladybug). I'm a whole 5-6 months old, but ended up the county shelter in April. I had a heart murmur and could not be spayed at the shelter, so with the help of a bunch of great folks, I ended up at Georgia Jack Russell Rescue. 

Our vet noticed that my murmur wasn't just a murmur. It was something more. So, he ordered up some x-rays and, unfortunately, discovered that I have congenital heart defect known as PDA, which stands for Patent Ductus Arteriosus. They say it's is "an abnormal vessel that connects two large arteries, right next to the heart: the pulmonary artery and the aorta." In short, the left side of my heart is very large; the right side is very weak.

Although our vet has done these operations before, he said he did not feel comfortable doing so with me; that my condition was very special/advanced and that operating may do me more harm than help. But he, like me and Team Russell, is no quitter. The more he thought about it, the more he thought an echocardiogram with a cardiologist is the best route for me right now. Hopefully, we can figure out which meds might be best for my heart and if there's anything else we can do to help make my life the best and longest possible.

So, that's the next plan ... Of course, this is all pretty expensive and, of course, we have many other dogs with special needs right now, and, of course, we are having to ask for your help again to make this happen. 

For now, I am in a wonderful foster home with a couple of other four-legged GA JRT Rescue alum/friends and enjoying just being a puppy, i.e. I have no idea there's anything wrong with me.

I will keep everyone updated on my appointment and what happens next. Wish me luck -- and thank you in advance!