Mom tends to always expect the unexpected, but when Dr. Olson, the cardiologist found a mitral valve tumor in Katie’s heart, that was really nothing we ever thought of, let alone knew existed. We all went to the vet last week expecting to find nothing much new, maybe Katie’s heart murmur had gotten worse, but we were ready for that. When Katie was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and sent to the cardiologist, we were not worried as it could be controlled with medication. Finding an actual tumor in her heart was a shock.
We have noticed some changes in Katie’s behavior the past month or two, but had figured it was coming from her heart murmur issue. None of the things we noticed warranted a vet visit, Mom just kept mental notes on the changes Katie was having such as being a bit confused, heavy breathing for no reason, falling a bit more, her usual symptoms just at a bit of an increased level.
After listening to her heart with the stethoscope, Dr. Olson hooked Katie up to the EKG machine. It took several tries to capture the heart rate increase but we did eventually get it. At some points it was going up to 260 beats per minute from her normal 100 – 120 beats per minute. That excessive beating is hard on the heart, and can be really uncomfortable for the dog.
Chest x-rays were also taken. Her heart and lungs look great, especially for her age. There was nothing abnormal on the photos at all. Katie had a chest x-ray six months ago and it was also perfect, so we had no reason to suspect the heart murmur was an indication of anything other than old age.
The echocardiogram was the most interesting, and where she found the mitral valve tumor. Katie had to be shaved a bit in two spots, but with all her fur, we can’t even see those spots! She was such a good patient! Katie held still for all the tests and never once tried to rip off wires or anything. Mom was very proud of her.
Dr. Olson was amazing. She whipped through all the different views of Katie’s heart like the back of her own hand. Mom was trying to follow along, but it was not easy. She had views of the heart from all different angles. Unfortunately, at one point she saw a “mass”. Mom didn’t ask what she mean by a mass because she was hoping it didn’t mean a tumor.
After seeing the “mass” from several different spots, she did ask, and it is a tumor. Who would ever think of a tumor in the heart? Not us! After getting home and digesting the findings, Mom checked online and sure enough, it is possible but is extremely rare. There is also no known cause for these tumors. Many are benign, but it really doesn’t matter for Katie because there is nothing we can do to stop it. Katie fit the profile on PetMD to a tee.
This is a shot of that nasty tumor which is now 1.2cm long. The only option is removal through open heart surgery, which is not possible, so it will stay and grow, and most likely suffocate Katie. We couldn’t tell exactly from the echocardiogram, but it looks like the tumor is already either wrapping around the exterior of the heart, or crossing through the septum inside the heart. MRI’s and CT’s don’t work with hearts as they need to be still, so there is no other way to see what is going on in Katie’s heart. If Katie is still doing fairly well in three months, we can go back for another echocardiogram to see how much the tumor has grown. As it grows, she may start to faint now and then, get weaker, lose her appetite, and other signs of heart failure. We are already seeing some of these things in mild form. She is now taking medication to help regulate her heart rate. Thank you so much to Dr. Olson. She is really good at what she does and we feel so comfortable with her recommendations.
After having days to think it all over, it really doesn’t change much for us. We already knew Katie was slowly failing, but now we know the cause. She is still a happy girl and enjoys getting out for her walks, so we will continue to spoil and take care of her as we have been. At least the tumor is painless, and she won’t really notice anything different in her life.
Why are we posting this on FitDog Friday? Because one thing we hear from our vet all the time, and the cardiologist, is what good shape Katie is in for her age. Having had a healthy lifestyle her entire life has really helped her stay as healthy as she has at almost fourteen years old. She is a large breed and still enjoys walking and getting out to do things as much as she can. Had she been overweight, had a poor diet, or poor physical condition, she would have passed a couple years ago. It is important to help your dog lead a healthy lifestyle! We are also fans of pet health insurance as these bills add up quickly, and if you start on a plan when your dog is young, you won’t need to worry about pre-existing conditions not being covered, and your rates may be lower.
If anything changes, we will let you know. For now, we are just enjoying our time with Katie and helping her enjoy life as much as she can.
I’m co hosting the FitDog Friday Blog Hop with SlimDoggy, and To Dog With Love! Please join us on Fridays to share your fitness stories with others, find new ways to have fun, and new fitness ideas too! Tell your friends to stop by as well – fit dogs are healthier, happier dogs!
I am so sorry about Katie’s diagnosis. ((hugs))
It is sad, especially since we cannot do anything about it, but we just keep going along and doing the best we can for her.
I’m sorry to hear about Katie.
We have seen her aging a lot lately, but we never thought about a heart tumor.
Dat stinks Katie. Just keep on enjoyin what ya can.
I’m about your age and my momma also tried to keep me in good shape – long daily walks and I wuz never overweight in my life. Until I started havin arthur-eye-tis, I never really had a real health isshoe. But my unexplained leg problems have really gotten to me. Like you, I’m still enjoyin eatin and life for now, and da peeps are happy for dat. Dey don’t know if I have 5 weeks left or 5 years, but I’m making da most of what I’ve got.
Katie’s arthritis has been controlled pretty well since she started taking Rejenease. It really has been a miracle, but now with the tumor, there is nothing more we can do. We just love her every day! For a large dog, she is still doing well.
Our hearts are broken for this diagnosis. Katie is so lucky to have such a wonderful mom and siblings that love her and keep her in top condition. We will be sending our best thoughts and prayers to her. ♥
We still find it hard to believe. We hope it is slow growing and she has a lot more good days ahead.
It is hard to watch our dogs grow older and develop complications – but we know how much you love her and know you will take perfect care of her and make her comfortable as possible
It’s especially hard when there is nothing that can be done to stop it.
Oh no, honey. Give Katie a big snuggle from us. My Bonnie has congestive heart failure and it’s super hard, but I’m hoping for the best, hoping she’ll hang in there a while yet.
We thought the heart murmur was the beginnings of congestive heart failure, but it turns out it is actually a symptom of the tumor. Hugs to your Bonnie from us.
We know she will get the best of care and have a pain free life. Just continue to give her lots of love as that is always the best of medicine. With all our love Ellen and Katie.
She has good days and bad days. We hope she keeps pawing on forward and one day just doesn’t wake up. It’s out of our hands.
I’m so sorry to hear of Katie’s diagnosis. I know she will have the best care and she is surrounded by love.
We are sad too, especially because there is nothing we can do. We will continue to enjoy every day with her and hope she remains happy.
Oh what a bad surprise… but you are a family and a team and you will take good care of Katie I’m sure. And I know that Katie is still a happy dog because of her furmily who is always with her in good and in bad times. Hugs to you all …
It is a real bad surprise, but one we all have to live with. We hope Katie continues to be happy and enjoy life as much as she can.
We were so sad to read about Katie – she’s such a part of our FitDog Family – our elder statesdog. You are so right about her long life – all the excellent care, exercise, nutrition she’s been given throughout her life has allowed her to be with you for so long. Give her a hug and kiss from Jack & Maggie.
It’s hard as you know when a dog is in pretty good condition and then a tumor like this shows up and there is nothing that can be done. Thanks for thinking of us and we are always thinking about Maggie.
I am so terribly sorry. Katie is so blessed to have such a healthy lifestyle – thanks to you – and such a great life. Sending hugs.
Our hope is that it is a slow growing tumor so she will have lots of time left.
What a nasty “surprise”! Dear Katie! what a wonderful vet! You girls take care of your sister, and let mom know if you suspect/detect any changes in her condition with your great noses.. This might be the most important nose work you have ever done. Joy, what a shock! Please keep us posted.
Mom thinks that we already know Katie isn’t doing well as we interact differently with her these days. We are all keeping a close eye on her and lend a paw to help out when she needs it.
Katie, you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. Long before I was a member of this home, my big Boston sister, Lyla, had a similar problem when she was only 3 years old. She was rushed to her vet because she was all swollen. He doctor did an x-ray her heart and saw a heart tumor.. She was in such bad shape the mom almost put her down that day, but the vet tech begged us to get another opinion, The next day Lyla had a sonogram of her heart and this doctor also saw a spot on her heart, BUT she was not sure if it was a tumor or an injury – such as a bruise. This doctor drained the blood that was in pericardial sack and put Lyla on lasix. The mom was told if it was a heart tumor Lyla would faint one day and it would be painless and she would be gone. That was 8 years ago and Lyla is fine. The mom remembered a fall Lyla had taken about 2 weeks before this illness happened, and Lyla must have bruised her heart. We so wish Katie had a bruised heart. {{{HUGS}}} XOXO Sparkle
That is very interesting. We’ve had a crash course in cardiology which is fascinating, but wish the circumstances were different. Katie has taken a lot of falls, but she also has all the symptoms for a tumor, and her heart and lungs are in great condition. Pretty much we were told the same that she will either go to sleep and not wake up or will fall over and be gone. We hope that is the case so it is painless and Mom doesn’t have to decide anything, but it is still so sad. We are so happy your Lyla is doing well.
So sorry to hear this. Poor girl. We are sending so many good thoughts your way, and we hope that Katie remains happy and comfortable.
We hope it is a slow growing tumor, but we won’t have any idea on that for at least three months.
Thinking of Katie and your family. I know you are all giving Katie lots of love as you always have.
Katie gets lots of love and special treatment, not to mention treats these days. We love her, so we don’t mind.
Not that anything will really console your family after news like this, but this
IS a great message for FitDog Friday about weight and nutrition. You are my image of a perfect pet parent, and raise such healthy pets, that you are correct had Katie even been a little overweight she wouldn’t have made it this far. It’s not worth it to raise over fed, lazy, pooches they will not live the long life they deserve.
As I’ve been passing out since I was 12, I’m curious if they gave you any advice for IF she faints? My main solutions are increasing salt and water, do they advise that she stays well hydrated?
Everyone loves you sweet lady Katie, this stupid tumor should’ve stayed away from you.
Thank you for the kind words. Mom does try to do all the best things for us girls. No instructions for if she faints. We think she has already done it a few times, but she wakes right up again. One day she will faint and not wake up is what they say. She should just keep doing what she is doing, make sure she eats, and get her exercise if she is up to it which she is and we do.
I am so very sorry about Katie’s diagnosis! I don’t know what else to say. I know it must have been quite a shock – just like Callie’s lymphoma diagnosis was for us last August. I know you will all do your very best to keep Katie happy and enjoying life. Know that I – and all of your Blogville friends – am/are here for all of you, keeping you in my/our thoughts and prayers
It is shocking. We could deal with a tumor, but in the heart there is nothing that can be done and we don’t know if it is benign or not. Since it hasn’t spread that we can tell, I would guess it is benign, but it doesn’t matter. Mom’s last dog was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was gone a week later. Your Callie was also a shock. It is a nasty thing to get any tumor.
Fourteen years is incredible for a large breed pup. Katie has truly been well-cared for and well loved. You’re facing the inevitable end with grace and love, the most any of us can do. Pass along a few extra hugs to Katie for us.
Thank you. We just feel a bit helpless since there is now an issue we can’t do anything about, but she is still a happy girl and that is what matters.
WE are SO sorry to hear this about Katie’s heart… We hope that it does not grow fast and that she still has Many years ahead of her. POTP for Katie
Thank you, we are hoping the same.
So very sorry about Katie’s heart problems. We will be thinking about her.
It is sad, but we are accepting it. She has had a long life for a large dog, and hopefully she can keep going for a long time if the tumor grows slowly.
Lots of hugs and kisses coming your way. We particularly love the photo of Katie’s sweet face and is that your mom holding her paw? You all do such good work to be healthy and in good shape and you continue to be an inspiration for all of us. We are sorry to hear this news.
Mom always likes to hold paws with us when something big is going down. We are sad about the tumor, but happy that she is still happy and it isn’t painful for her.
I’m so sorry to hear this, but she is incredibly lucky to have you. {{{HUGS}}}
Thank you. We are sad too, but it is just life. No matter what you do, some day, something will take you down. It could be as simple as a banana peel on a sidewalk, or as big as a tumor in your heart.
We are so sorry to hear about Katie of course. But like you said, she’s led a happy healthy life that will make her last few months easier hopefully. Please keep us posted on how you and Katie are doing. Love Dolly
We will keep everyone posted. Hopefully she still has a lot of time left, but we can’t say until we know if the tumor is growing fast or not which we won’t know for at least three months.
Oh my goodness. Sending lots of hugs your way
Lily & Edward
Thank you. Katie appreciates all the positive thoughts.
We are so sorry to hear about Katy, and thank you so much for sharing all of this with us. As a pack of mostly senior dogs we know how important it is to live each day to the fullest.
Big Hugs,
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Sadly, I’m now a senior at 9 myself, but Mom says I don’t act like a senior. Big dogs have it a lot tougher I think. We just pray she has a lot more time with us.
Sorry to hear about Katy. We know you will take the best care of her that is possible and she will enjoy however much time she has with all of you.
Millie & Walter
Thank you. That is our plan, and she still seems real happy which is good.
We are sure sorry to hear that diagnosis and send purrs, hugs and love to dear Katie. We know she has the best home and y’all will take the best care of her.
It is sad, but she is happy and that is what is important.
Sometimes when talking about the importance of being physically fit and staying healthy, for both humans and dogs, people think it’s just because we all want to live longer. But that’s not necessarily the only thing….to me it’s not just about living longer but about feeling good as you age. That’s exactly what you have done for Katie. Not only is it so wonderful that she is still going at almost 14, but it’s so wonderful that you’ve all kept her feeling as good as possible by keeping her active and eating right.
We hope that nasty tumor grows very slowly and that you still have lots of time with Katie. We know you are already making the best of all that time. We will be thinking of you all and hoping for the best. ♥
Thank you. You are right, a good diet and exercise do help one feel better. We too hope the tumor grows slowly.
So sorry to hear about the latest update. I know she’s in the best hands and has had such an amazing life. It really is remarkable how physically fit she is for her age (especially true in large dogs). Dr. Olson sounds awesome by the way, good veterinarians make such a huge difference.
Thinking of you & sending hugs your way.
We love our regular vet, and she recommended Dr. Olson to us. The whole heart thing is really fascinating, just a bummer we have to learn all about it because of the tumor. A good vet really makes a big difference.
I’m so sorry to hear this! Sending you all lots of love and hoping for many more good days with Katie!
We just hope the tumor grows slowly.
I’m so sorry to hear about Katie. Sounds like you’re doing the best for her just by helping her enjoy every day. Sending all of you lots of hugs.
Thank you. There isn’t much we can do, just keep going along and hope she stays happy and comfortable.
I am so sorry. I was behind on reading blogs and was just about to sign off for the night when I saw this. There was no way I couldn’t read it. Sweet Katie…..what a good girl. Sending many prayers……as long as she has a good quality of life right now (which she does), it’s good………..please give her kisses from us and (((hugs))) to you! DakotasDen
Thank you. We are hoping it progresses slowly, but at this point we have no way to know.
God bless every day you have together.
Thank you. We are enjoying every day.
Thank you for sharing the information with us. I am sure it was difficult to hear this diagnosis. We love Katie here and hope she has many more years with you!
We hope the tumor progresses slowly. All we can do is wait and see.
Strength to you, Katie & your Mom. Katie is lucky to have such a pawsome family. We agree, staying fit is not just to live longer but to live healthier & happier. We have learned to stay in the moment & be grateful for each day we have together. Gentle nose nudges to you all.
CEO Olivia
Thank you. Being healthy and fit simply improves quality of life at any age. We hope the tumor takes its time growing as there is nothing we can do.
We are just heart-broken for you and your family. Special ear scratches for sweet Katie. ღ
It is quite a shock and sad, but in the end, there is nothing we can do except help Katie keep on plugging along as long as she remains happy and pain free.
Know we are thinking of you and your sweet girl. <3
Thank you.
I am so sorry to read this. Thinking of you all, especially Katie.
We are sad, but we hope it grows slowly and she can continue to be happy and pain free.
Wow. I am so sorry to be reading this. I am sure it was a big shock. That would have been scary to hear from the vet. Thank goodness you have a good vet who can help as much as possible. Katie is lucky to have had the healthy lifestyle with all of you. I have no doubt it made a difference.
Daisy, Jasper, Cupcake and I send our love to all of you and to Katie. May she be able to continue enjoying life every day. If you need anything, please let us know.
Thank you. We are still surprised by it. Never ever heard of a tumor in the heart, but they happen in humans too. We hope she keeps on plugging along for quite a while, but all we can do is hope at this point.
It takes great strength to write a post like this one. Katie is in the best home with the best siblings and of course the best mom. Thank you for sharing, the Boys and I send our love.
It took a week to get it together, but we are alright with it all now. In the end, there is nothing we can do, so we will just keep doing what we do, keep Katie happy and hope the tumor progresses slowly.
Oh Emma! I’m so sad that your big sister is fading. You’re all such a happy, healthy family. I’m glad that your mom is doing everything right for Katie. And I know you’ll enjoy your days with her regardless.
It is sad, but she is happy and that is what is important. Mom has noticed Bailie and I have started to secretly hang out with her now and then. She doesn’t know what that means, but she knows we sense a lot more about what is going on than she does. We hope she still has a long time with us.
Thank you for sharing your vet visit with us. I’m so sorry it wasn’t a better visit. Hope Katie does well for a good amount of time.
It was quite a shock since we had never even heard of such a thing. One never knows what to expect when we go to the vet, but it is still important to go.