hi everyone- I hope all is well with you. I need some help from anyone with veterinary knowledge out there! Frito had an ultrasound today, as I was worried he might have adrenal tumors and cardiomyopathy, and wanted to avoid surgery until absolutely necessary. Dr. Rohn (our vet) and Dr. Metcalf (the ultrasound specialist) and I need some input: these were Frito's results: Fractional shortening 61 % (normal is 35 % - 40? ) Heart rate--> approx. 360 bpm Frito's left ventricular wall is much thicker than his septum. The left atrium, however, is not enlarged and there is no thrombis. We need some recommendations for dosages for Propranalol and Diltiazen/ Cardizem Dr. Rohn's diagnosis was Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. ---------------------------------------------------------- In a related subject: there were no signs of adrenal tumors. So, what else could be the cause of his thin hair? Just genetics? Poor Frito! He was already having trouble just having a normal healthy coat! Then they had to shave his whole tummy for the ultrasound! And they shaved his neck for drawing blood! My poor little patchwork boy!! He's still the most beautiful badger boy I know.... my por little beer swillin', granola stealin' pooka rat... --andrea _______________________________________________________________________________ ----------------- [log in to unmask] (Andrea M.) -------------------- It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye.. of course, then you can always play with the eye. A WOMAN NEEDS A MAN LIKE A FISH NEEDS A BICYCLE "And when they say 'take of his body' I think I'll take from mine instead." -- Tori Amos (fellow graduate of Thelma and Louise Finishing School) "Stay loose. Learn to watch snails. Take moonbaths. Write love-letters."- SARK [Posted in FML issue 0837]