Cardiac arrhythmias can be a complication following the type of surgery Claire had last weekend. They are usually resolved within a few days but Claire is a unicorn.
And so we spent the day at vet yesterday because Claire had a rapid, erratic heart rate and low blood pressure.
Symptoms were very subtle. She seemed not as “great” as she had been on all the other days since she came home from the veterinary ER. She left a little bit of food in her bowl after breakfast 🤯. I checked her gums — they were less pink than normal.
Off to the vet.
Once it was clear we were staying at the clinic for the day, I went home to tend the other girls and gather needed supplies.
The Lucky Happy Hippie Heart.
My most powerful Lucky Socks.
And my laptop so I could do some grading while I sat with my girl.
Our veterinarian was calling all over to do consults with other smart veterinarians because it wasn’t clear why this was happening. Truthfully, it still isn’t — but the best collective guess is a post-surgical complication that is more extended than typically seen. Another option that is less likely but still a possibility — a blood clot.
A day of fluids righted Claire’s heart rhythm and raised her blood pressure. We picked up medication on the way home (beta blocker). Claire still has her catheter in because it is completely possible this will happen again, and starting an IV on a dog (or person) with low blood pressure is tough.
I am checking her pulse and gums regularly — so far, so good 🍀🙏
Wow. Just wow.
I am not even sure what else to say — this is all wild.
Please have a wonderful, restful, amazing weekend with whatever rhythm is perfect for you ❤️