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Athena was a SAS puppy that we chose to rescue. This was the first time breeding with this sire and dam, both had passed all of their health clearances, yet she was diagnosed w/ a heart murmur at 8 wks. Her prognosis wasn't good, acutally it was poor. Athena had severe aorta stenosis, severe ventricular fibrillation and heart arrhythmia. Her heart grade went from 3 to over 5 (6 being highest) in just a few weeks. New research and surgery for SAS starts when the dog is 8 mths. She didn't have that long and the cardiologist wanted to do surgery when she was only 14 wks to give her any chance at life. Without the surgery, she would have collasped at any minute. The surgery she had was the same surgery performed on infants using the balloon inserted into the aortic valve to stretch it. It's still very experimental on dogs. So far, only 7 surgeriers have been performed, all successful. Athena was the most severe case and passed to Rainbow Bridge at just 15 mths.
That was a beautiful tribute to a very beautiful Athena. I am sorry for your loss, she looks like she was so lovable. Bravo to you for caring for her and making her short life a wonderful one. She looks very happy.
Kahskye, Athena was a very beautiful girl. You were very caring and brave to attempt this surgery, so that Athena could be well. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It is always so hard to say goodbye. Thank you so much for posting the online album.
Last edited by taigagirl; 09-05-2010 at 05:24 PM..
Reason: grammar
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