Whoa, August already. Seems like months are blending together, but that’s just 2020 I guess. It has been a turbulent week here. A couple of weeks ago, Miko started showing symptoms of coughing more when drinking water and gagging sometimes. I did some research and found this is common for small dogs often caused by a collapsed trachea. It got worse last week with him waking up with coughing fits. Because his regular vet is closed due to Covid cases, I had to find another good vet and make an appointment with them. I carefully documented his symptoms for the appointment since vets are making people wait in cars and there’s not a lot of talk time.
The new doctor decided an X-ray was needed to check his trachea. Two days later he called me with the results and it was a nasty surprise – Miko has an enlarged heart condition that appears to be serious and he needs to start medication right away. It’s an awful condition, I got very teary and emotional reading about it. Miko started his new medication which is intense taking two pills every 12 hours this vet says he’ll need for the rest of his life. Very upsetting.
I’ve been having a tough time dealing with the news, wondering if it’s genetic or if something could have been done sooner before it got serious, if I should have been more observant of his symptoms, etc. Awful thoughts. Next step is to make an appointment with his regular vet to go through the process again for a second opinion and treatment options. It caught me by surprise because it’s not a common condition for small dogs.
Miko has been such a sweetheart and was such a good sport for the vet appointment. We went on another new trail walk with my mom’s dog yesterday.
But I am having a tough time with the news and trying to do everything to take care of him.
There have been more take out this week from Pho Vegan Asian Cuisine and local Thai. And we’ve been getting creative with jackfruit still, I made black bean pasta blended with kale, marinara, and jackfruit that came out delicious. While he made a delicious jackfruit pulled “pork” sandwich with onion rings.
There has also been tempeh stir fries, salad, watermelon, and more salad in the heat.
Today I had more vegan Thai with my mom and sisters for a late birthday celebration. The weather was perfect for a patio lunch and the kicky green curry with tofu and brown rice was delicious. Nice to get out and get my mind of off negative things with good company.
And I am focusing on getting through this week at work, taking care of Miko, and trying to be positive now. I hope things are going well for you during these times and the list helps.
- Finneas O’Connell, Billie Eilish, and their mother are awesome.
- Beat vegan camp food at Trader Joe’s.
- New Sweet Earth vegan bacon burgers.
- Vegan diet may promote healthy aging.
- Trader Joe’s has vegan cheesecake now. Yum.
- Vegan picnic products.
- Yoplait offering vegan now.
- I want to try Annie’s Vegan Cheesy Rice.
- Another location for Amy’s Drive Thru and it looks like we’re getting one soon too!!!
- Lizzo going raw vegan.
- Benefits of adding chia seeds.
Awww Christine. I’m so sorry to hear about Miko! I hate vet appointments. I do the same thing….blame myself when I don’t notice symptoms quickly enough! It’s tough having pets!
Thanks! Me too and it’s been especially tricky lately. Baffles me he had a major dental appointment before the shelter in place order and no issues were detected for that. And so true!
Oh no, sweet Miko! Hoping for the best. He’s lucky to have you and you’re doing an awesome job as a dog mama. It’s NOT easy, even in the best of circumstances.
Thank you, you’re so sweet! It’s not easy when you just want them to be healthy and happy!
This is heartbreaking. I’m so sorry little Miko and you have to go through this.
Thank you! I just want him to be healthy and happy!