My 2.4 yr old fem s/d 2lb Gina seems to me a bit *thick* and heavier thru
the body for the past few days.  I gently squeezed her from top to bottom -
she did not display any signs of discomfort.  I may just be imagining a
problem, since I compare her to my 1.5 yr old fem s/d 1.75 lb Chipper (who I
*think* is starting to shed/lose weight for Spring).  I really need to get a
scale.
 
I did a search in the med faq for *thick* and got info on Cardiomyopathy.
It states "Seen generally in animals over 3 years of age, rare in young.
Caused by an abnormal thinning or thickening of the heart muscle which
interferes with blood flow through the heart.  Signs include a marked
decrease in activity, the need to rest in the middle of the play periods,
great difficulty in awakening from sleep, and as the disease progresses one
may see coughing, difficulty breathing, fluid build-up in the abdomen and a
general loss of condition.  Diagnosis is by x-ray and EKG."
 
Gina does not have any of these signs, although she could sleep through an
air bombing raid ever since I adopted her last May.  She was examined in
Dec. during distemper vac, and Jan. during rabies vac.
 
Am I over-reacting?  Should I take the precaution and get an x-ray?  Or,
just buy a dang scale?  Please send me direct e-mail as I have had
difficulty downloading the FML lately, and cc the FML as well for their
info.
 
Thank you very much.
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[Posted in FML issue 1507]