My sweet Ziggy has passed away from Heart Disease

[Kristen and Ziggy!]

Hello, I just wanted to inform everyone that my sweet ZIggy unfortunatley passed away last week. About a month ago, he was being treated for "kennel cough" which in turn was actually congestive heart failure. When his "kennel cough" got worse 2 nights later, we rushed him to the VEC where they took chest x-rays expecting to find pneumonia and in turn they found a severely enlarged heart and fluid filled lungs. Ziggy was put on oxygen and iv's where they administered multiple heart medications and then we were transferred to Dogwood Emergency Center where we saw a cardiologist. The echo revealed that he was suffering from Dialated Cardiomiopathy which is genetic and kicks in as soon as they are born. His valves were super dialted and barely functioning. He was hospitalized for a couple days and then we had him on all the necessary, expensive medicines and he was doing great! We were told that with his case of heart disease, it could be weeks but generally we were looking at 6 to 9 months left of his precious life. Worst 48 hours of my life. Ziggy died very peacefully in his sleep one afternoon while my mom was watching him. She said that he let out his dreaming squeaks and my Mom tried to wake him from his dream, but could not get him to respond to her. He just kept dreaming away not making any noise. She got down on the ground, put his head in her hands, felt his fluttering heart, and then stroked his head and told him how much we all loved him. It was then that he opened his eyes and looked at her, as if to say "i love you too" and then went back to sleep but to never wake again. This has been the hardest week of our lives. The house feels empty. 

I am curious if anyone else you know has had a doodle suffer from congenital heart disease? Ziggy never showed any signs, and they said they usually don't until their first bout of heart failure. He did pant A LOT but our vet always attributed it to all of his fur and that he was just a "hot" dog. He also was very laid back and had bouts of energy bursts, then he was just done playing. You don't really realize that these could be warning signs so I just wanted to share so that we could spread awareness.

I am interested in putting together a Ziggy Foundation to help raise money for research on prevention and CURE! Unfortunatly there is no cure at this point, trust me I asked everyone and everywhere. I would have done anything to save that dog but we did everything we could with all of the medicines. The Dogwood Veterinary staff/atmosphere/ technology/everything was marvelous and I highly recommend it to everyone! 

 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That is so terribly sad and I just want to say I don't know anything about this condition but just to sympathize with you on this terrible loss.

[Kristen and Ziggy!]

thank you~!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Oh, how very very sad. I am so sorry to read about Ziggy--this is such a tough thing to hear--it is one thing when a dog gradually ages and dies, but to lose one so unexpectedly... It must be very hard. My condolences to your family--your mom was an angel to stay by him like that and I am sure it was hard on her too.

[Kristen and Ziggy!]

thank you! it has been very hard on all of us, but nothing like what my mother is going through : ( 

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Kristen, I am so very sorry to hear about yur sweet Ziggy.

[Kristen and Ziggy!]

He went a month, acting just like his old 4 year old self, he just knew his limitations. I am very glad he went while he was still his silly old self and we didn't have to watch him deteriorate with the affects of an enlarged heart. We will be forever greatful for that extra month we got with him after we found out : ) 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry.  If it is any comfort, please know that we are sending our love and support to your family.

[Margaret & Pebbles]

I just went to your page and looked at all your photos of your beautiful Ziggy.  I'm deeply sorry for your loss.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

[Leigh & Allie]

So VERY sorry for your loss. My heart is just breaking for you. I want to go to your page and see your Ziggy ;-(

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Kristen, I'm so sorry to read this! Your Ziggy was a big beautiful boy and I know you must miss him terribly! I wish I knew more about his condition, but I don't. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and your mom at this difficult time!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so very sorry to hear about Ziggy's passing. You must be devastated. Thank you for letting us all know what to look out for and for considering starting a foundation to help other dogs in his circumstance. Hoping you are comforted knowing you did all that was possible to help your dear doodle boy. Sending lots of love your way.