Hecktor's battle
In November of 2021, after Hecktor's primary care vet heard the slightest of heart murmurs, we took him to a specialist/cardiologist where we received the devastating news that Hecktor has Chronic Mitral Valve disease. At this time he was placed on medicine to slow the disease progression and he received regular check-ups at his cardiologist in Texas (~every 6 months) so he could get regular EKGs done to monitor his heart. I was also instructed to monitor his sleeping breath rate, which I did religiously for 4 years. (Thankfully, this will come up later.)
Still a young pup, for a Chihuahua, he remained stable with no changes to his condition and no clinical signs of progression for almost 4 years. With this disease, 4 years is not typical; it's usually much less, but we caught it early and, in my humble opinion, I think this proves Hecktor is otherwise a healthy, active dog. He takes me on 2-mile walks almost every day and every time we see a vet they all comment on how healthy he is and how they think he is still a puppy based on all other health factors. However, his heart, sadly, is another story.
On July 12, 2024, at 2:00 am, I was awoken by the sounds of Hecktor struggling to breathe. I noticed Hecktor's breathing rate was not within his usual range, seemingly overnight because there were no warning signs until now. He was breathing at a rate of around 50 breaths per minute when he's usually around 22 breaths while sleeping and the breaths he was taking were super shallow. I could see he was fighting to breath and the look of fear on his sweet little face. I was heartbroken because I knew this likely meant his disease had progressed. I also knew we needed to get Hecktor help, and fast! I brought him to the Cardiologist immediately where they hospitalized him, put him on oxygen and ran tests, but I knew what it was.
Then around 6:00 am I received the dreaded call and confirmation that his heart had started to enlarge causing fluid to back up into his lungs and that his mitral valve disease had officially progressed into stage 3 (showing clinical signs). The cardiologist also told me the next hours he could "go either way" but if he responded to the medication that would draw
the fluid out of his lungs, he'd be able to return home. He would also be on this new medication for the rest of his life. Thankfully, he did respond to this medication, but that is only temporary. He needs surgery to restore the valve in his heart. There are only 3 places in the world able to perform this life-saving surgery. That isn't the challenge though, the big challenge is that this surgery costs between $45,000 and $50,000, and in the short timeline that he'll need it, I will not be able to raise it alone. If he does not get this surgery, his lifespan will likely only be 6-18 months. With the surgery, his lifespan goes back to that of any other Chihuahua, adding 5-8 years to his life and he, more than likely, will be able to come off all of his current medications with full heart function again.
I struggled very much with the decision to ask for help, especially since it comes to money. I think I feel this way because I have always believed in working hard for things and earning it the good old fashioned way. I have had a lot of things in life that I am very grateful for and I know others are not as fortunate. It makes me feel guilty to ask for help, however, I know, there is no way I can scrounge up the cost of this surgery in that short of timeframe alone. As his mom, these extra 5-8 years are truly invaluable to me. So I asked myself, would I be able to forgive myself if I didn't do everything possible to help my sweet Hecktor. For me that means setting aside any pride I have and asking for your help to give Hecktor a fair shot at a long quality life.
Please help Hecktor by donating. If you cannot, I would like you to know that the importance of sharing and reposting is invaluable in helping Hecktor as well. I am forever grateful for all of your help on every level. Thank you for being one of Hecktor's Heroes!