Dog with heart and hip problem
My dog (6yo Rottweiler/Shepherd mix male neutered) has a hip problem and what my vet thinks is a torn ligament. He doesn’t seem to be in pain but I took him for x-rays and while he was under for the x-rays, the doctor noticed an irregular heartbeat. So she took an X-ray of his chest as well. She said he might have an enlarged heart or cardiomyopthy. So the next step was an EKG. The results came back with some gaps in the heartbeat and the doctor has now recommended an ultrasound. She says that we need to worry about the heart problem before we even worry about doing surgery to help his hip and knee. I want some kind of second opinion on what I should do. I guess my question is, is it true that we should get the heart problem looked at before we worry about his hip problems? He is the happiest dog ever and doesn’t seem to be in pain. I have researched the heart problems in dogs and he doesn’t have the symptoms that they suggest come along with heart problems like loss of appetite and heavy breathing or panting when there is no physical activity. But if there is no guarantee for hip surgery when he has a heart problem, then I guess I don’t want to take the chance. I am very confused and very broke from the cost of everything. I need help.
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