Luckily Petunia survived her three hour heart operation but unfortunately the surgery did not go as smoothly as the doctors were hoping.  Half way through the procedure they discovered that her coronary artery was wrapped around her pulmonary artery which made surgery much riskier and the outcome less effective.

Due to the risk of overstretching Petunia’s coronary artery the doctor decided to be conservative which limited the size of the balloon that they could use to enlarge the narrowed valve.  There was too much of a risk if they used a larger balloon....it could have ruptured the artery and she would have died on the operating table.

They performed an echocardiogram on her heart the day after surgery to judge the success of the procedure.  The test result showed that they had been able to increase the size of the value area by 25% and lower the pressure across the pulmonic valve.  The doctor's hopes were to get more of an improvement but they still feel that the surgery has hopefully delayed the onset of cardiac problems for Petunia.

We were told to watch Petunia for signs of shortness of breath, weakness, collapse, or fainting.  If any of these symptoms occur she will have to go back to the Cardiologist for further evaluation.  If her pulmonic stenosis is causing problems, if over time the right side of her heart gets progressively larger or her tricuspid valve regurgitation gets progressively worse, the Cardiologist would consider trying the balloon valvuloplasty again with a larger balloon.

Through all of her ordeal, Petunia is not showing any outward symptoms of her heart disease, however she will need to avoid vigorous exercise such as repetitive ball chasing, high speed play with other dogs or other highly excitable activities indefinitely.  Petunia will need to go back to the Cardiologist for a recheck ECG in six months and then return annually to repeat this test.

In the interim, Petunia also developed a severe case of hives and vomiting 10 days after her surgery. She became lethargic and needed medical care.  We were concerned that this might be an intestinal blockage but we were relieved when the blood work and x-rays showed this was not the case.  After many tests, and some good detective work, it was determined that the cause of the problems were her antibiotics.  Once that medication was stopped, her symptoms disappeared.  She is still being treated for her mange but her skin is improving nicely.

Petunia is enjoying life and remains a typical fun-loving affectionate boxer.  She needs what every dog deserves, a home with love, warmth, and compassion.  She is waiting for a family who will make sure everyday is a better day.