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Sick Sinus Syndrome

By Lorraine

 

A visit to the vet to see why our miniature schnauzer dog was frequently falling, revealed a diagnosis of Sick Sinus Syndrome, a disease of the heart that eventually took his life.Sick Sinus Syndrome. Have you ever heard of it? That is the diagnosis we got concerning our much loved schnauzer.

A visit to the vet to see why our miniature schnauzer dog was frequently falling, revealed a diagnosis of Sick Sinus Syndrome, a disease of the heart that eventually took his life.
For the past month or so, Raider has been slipping and falling caused by what we thought was due to his advancing years and weak legs. We took him to the veterinarian and it turns out to be Sick Sinus Syndrome, which Schnauzers are predisposed.
 

What is sick sinus syndrome?

The sinus node, which is part of the electrical system that signals the heart to beat doesn’t consistently discharge an electrical impulse to trigger the heart to contract, resulting in a long pause between heartbeats.
 
The heart stops beating causing our schnauzer to pass out until an electrical impulse from another part of the heart triggers a rescue beat preventing complete arrest. He has very low heart rate that remained unchanged even with a shot of atropine confirming, along with an ECG the diagnosis.
 
A visit to the vet to see why our miniature schnauzer dog was frequently falling, revealed a diagnosis of Sick Sinus Syndrome, a disease of the heart that eventually took his life.
The only treatment, as with humans, is a pacemaker, so instead we will hope his condition progresses slowly. I really am surprised by the diagnosis as I thought for sure we would have a few more good years ahead with this sweet pup. He will be 13 years old in May.
 
 
A visit to the vet to see why our miniature schnauzer dog was frequently falling, revealed a diagnosis of Sick Sinus Syndrome, a disease of the heart that eventually took his life.
Some days Raider doesn’t have any episodes and other days, he will have two or three. Fortunately he has no pain. There are moments he is spry and spunky and other times he seems clingy and uncertain. aww, little buddy, I sure do love you.
 

UPDATE six weeks after sick sinus syndrome diagnosis

A visit to the vet to see why our miniature schnauzer dog was frequently falling, revealed a diagnosis of Sick Sinus Syndrome, a disease of the heart that eventually took his life.
Friday night we made a hard decision. As Raider’s Sick Sinus Syndrome had progressed, he began having labored, rapid breathing and became tuckered out even with little exertion. On Thursday, he laid on me and I rocked him, silently thinking in my heart that he would just stop breathing and his heart would cease beating and he would die peacefully.
 
We talked with the veterinarian and learned that his breathing difficulties would not be peaceful and left it that we would contact her Sunday morning.  As we were getting ready for bed Friday night, it was apparent he was in distress and prolonging his life made no sense so we left for a final car ride just as we did 14 years ago with our dog, Scotty. 
 
We returned home with an empty collar and a sweet paw print that was made for us by the veterinarian staff and a heart full of memories of my sweet boy.

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: dogs, pets, Raider, Schnauzer

Comments

  1. Adrienne says

    April 13, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    I'm catching up with a few posts that seem to have 'slipped' by when I wasn't looking! I'm so sad for you that your sweet pup is dealing with this. I'm sure Raider isn't enjoying these episodes but I know he's happy to be with you. Sending hugs and knowing that you will make the most of every day with him.
    ~Adrienne~

    Reply
  2. Tammy@T's Daily Treasures says

    March 21, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    Oh, poor Raider. I've never heard of this syndrome. I hope he has more good days than bad.

    Reply
  3. Lee Ann L. says

    March 17, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    He is so cute. I am sorry to hear about his condition. I have never heard of this syndrome. He lived a full live with adventures. May he continue to have more adventures making memories with (and for) you…

    Reply
  4. Debby Ray says

    March 17, 2016 at 2:37 am

    It is also my hope that Raider's condition will allow him to have quality of life as long as he possibly can. Our pets are such an important part of our families.

    Reply
  5. Gypsy Heart says

    March 17, 2016 at 1:24 am

    Bless his heart! It's so difficult when our fur babies are sick. I'm sure he must feel stressed and confused with these episodes. My boy has allergy problems and I feel so bad for him. Raider is absolutely beautiful or maybe I should say handsome! 🙂 I hope he does well.

    xo
    Pat

    Reply
  6. NanaNor's says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    It is always so upsetting when our for babies are ill. I'll be praying for Raider and all of you!
    Hugs, Noreen

    Reply
  7. Ann says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Aw, poor Raider. What a scary experience for both of you. Thoughts and prayers for him

    Reply
  8. My Recent Favorite Books says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    My thoughts are with you. He is so sweet!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Tobias the Cockapoo Puppy | Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart says:
    June 13, 2019 at 5:00 am

    […] blog for a while, you may remember our miniature Schnauzer, Raider. Raider died three years ago of sick sinus syndrome at the age of 13. My heart was broken. But as time passed I knew I wanted another dog. Another […]

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    February 18, 2019 at 3:52 pm

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  3. Happy Birthday, Raider! | Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart says:
    February 18, 2019 at 8:23 am

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Hi! I'm Lorraine. Welcome to Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart. A place to find food for your tummy, projects for your hands, and encouragement for your heart.

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