A Dog's Broken Heart

When mother and daughter Chihuahua’s, Jessie and Poco, were brought to Prairie’s Edge Humane Society (PEHS) we thought we were just dealing with one overweight dog who needed some help getting to a healthy weight and one dog with hair loss that needed to be diagnosed.  What we eventually discovered was not only one dog that definitely needed to go on a diet but another dog with a broken heart…..literally.

Jessie is approximately 7 years old and her daughter Poco is approximately one year old.  When these two dogs were brought to us we were told they did not eat dog food, they had always been fed human food (hence the obese status of Poco) and neither of them had ever been to a veterinarian for any type of care including vaccinations and were never fully housetrained.  Based on their actions since being at the shelter we believe they were probably taught to use a “pee pad” and never fully trained to go outdoors to relieve themselves.  We are working on this with them and they are both making great progress.  Both dogs were turned into the PEHS shelter because the home they were living in “did not have enough time for them”.  

Jessie and Poco spent their first few days at the shelter a little scared and not eating the dog food, probably due to a combination of stress and not knowing what dog food was, but after about two days they came out of their shells and were running around the shelter office and lobby playing with each other and following the staff around.  They are both very curious and this was a great way for Poco to begin to get more exercise and lose some weight.  They are a very bonded pair and we originally started out with keeping the two of them together.  Then one day Jessie simply was very lethargic and would not get out of her bed, this came on very suddenly.  She had also developed an upper respiratory issue.  

During an exam by our shelter veterinarian Dr. Lisa Demmer, it was discovered that Jessie had a significant heart murmur.  We do not have the equipment needed to do the diagnostic testing which would tell us what the exact problem might be and Dr. Lisa wanted to get a second opinion as well so that Jessie could receive the best possible outcome.  Jessie was taken to Dr. Rich Lorang at Countryside Animal Hospital (one of the local veterinary clinics who help us on a regular basis) where he did some additional examination of Jessie and suggested we have a Veterinary Cardiologist do an echocardiogram on Jessie to find out what exactly was going on with her.  An echocardiogram is an ultrasound image of the heart and associated large blood vessels. Echocardiography is a non-invasive test that allows a cardiologist to directly evaluate the anatomy and function of the heart.  This is an expensive test (around $400) which is done by a very specialized veterinarian with expensive equipment.  Knowing that PEHS could not afford such a test, Dr. Rich arranged for a cardiologist that he works with to donate their time and talents to help poor Jessie.  We find out on a regular basis that there are many “Angels” who help us to help these animals every day.  

The cardiologists who examined Jessie travel from Mendota Heights each day to various veterinary clinics around the state.  They met us after hours along with staff from Countryside Animal Hospital to perform the echocardiogram on Jessie.  (see photos)  These were two very caring and very specialized veterinarians who were helping out a sick, homeless, little Chihuahua.  Jessie was wonderful during the testing and lay calmly on the table while the echocardiogram was being performed.  It was as if she knew everyone was there to help her.    

Jessie’s tests showed that she has a heart valve that does not work properly causing her blood to not flow properly from the heart through the arteries; a devastating diagnosis for Jessie and all of us who have fallen in love with this little girl.  This is a defect that Jessie was born with, however it is not hereditary so there is no concern that Poco would have the same condition.  Jessie is not a candidate for surgery to repair the heart valve due to her age and the progression of the problem; she would probably not survive the surgery, even if we could afford to send her to the University of Minnesota for this type of surgery, which would cost approximately $4000 or more. This also means we are not able to spay Jessie either as she will not be able to handle the anesthesia.  The cardiologists did not believe however that the upper respiratory issue was related to the heart valve problem.  We had begun Jessie on antibiotics when the respiratory issue started and she is now showing no signs of coughing or congestion anymore.  

The heart valve condition does not cause Jessie any pain; however she does need to be in a calmer environment as she does not have the stamina that a healthy, “normal” dog would have to be running around or very active.  While Jessie can continue to live with this defect, there is no guarantee how long, it could be a few months or it could be a few years.  The fact that she is approximately 7 years old is actually a good sign, as this means she has been able to live this long with this condition.  We are committed to finding a home for Jessie where she can have a quality life and live out her remaining time however long that may be.  Jessie loves to be held or simply lay in your lap, which is the best thing for her!  She would make someone a wonderful companion as long as it is understood that she needs to be in a calmer environment and the time with her may be limited.  

With Jessie’s diagnosis we also had to deal with Poco’s future.  As we mentioned, these two dogs are very bonded as they have always lived together.  Jessie needs a quieter and calmer home in order for her to have quality in whatever remaining time she has.  Poco is still very puppyish and loves to play and run, even though being obese, and will need (and deserves) a home to keep her active and at a healthy weight.  As heartbreaking as this situation is, the day is going to come when Poco will have to live without Jessie and we have begun to show each of them how to do that.  While we were first letting them live together at the shelter, we have now separated them and they are living in separate locations at the shelter.  Jessie is actually living with the cats and has found it to be a good location for her as it is calm and quiet and she is doing very well, while Poco is with the other dogs at the shelter and has adapted to her new situation as well.  Poco also likes to hang out in the office and follow staff around during the time the shelter is closed so that she can gain more exercise and become more independent of Jessie.  The first few days were difficult and heartbreaking for them as well as for all of us who are caring for them, but they both seemed to have now adapted to their separate living situations very well.  Animals adapt to change much better than humans. 

Once Poco has gotten to a healthy weight she will receive her spay surgery and be available for adoption.  She came to us at 18.6 lbs and has already lost 2 pounds so she is making great progress!   

Jessie deserves a home who will love and care for her.  We need to find Jessie a home that is calmer, with no children and will give her a chance to have a quality life filled with love, regardless how long that may be. We cannot guarantee that Jessie will live for years to come; we cannot guarantee that there will not be additional veterinary care required for her, and we know it will be heartbreaking for her humans when her broken heart eventually quits working.  But what we can guarantee is that the time you will get to spend with Jessie will be very rewarding and when you look into the eyes of this little girl all that you will see looking back at you is unconditional love attached to a wagging tail.  Jessie has a broken heart that cannot be fixed, but it does have a lot of love in it to share and we are committed to finding her that person to share it with however long that may be.   

If you are interested in giving Jessie a loving home, please contact the Prairie's Edge Humane Society for more information on what will be required.  Jessie will stay with us until that home is found.