This article is in loving memory of Angel.
"She will be missed but will always be in our hearts. She loved everyone and she loved to be loved." - Melissa Manfredi
August marks the end of the summer season for us. With autumn lurking
around the corner and the holidays close behind, August is a month that is
sometimes overlooked. But this August will be impossible not to overlook
thanks to our Companion Animal of the Month, Angel Manfredi. Angel was a
beautiful, white, long-haired Chihuahua. She was not only a loving
companion, but was also a canine "Calendar Girl." Because she was so
photogenic, she was featured in her own calendar. She owned two humans,
Melissa and Tina, who also served as her photographers and wardrobe designers.
Angel became Melissa's forever companion nine years ago after a friend could no
longer care for Angel. Melissa and Angel bonded to each other immediately.
You and would often find Angel and Melissa cuddling on the couch sharing a
take-out order from their favorite Chinese restaurant. Neither Angel or
Melissa would anticipate the love and loyalty they would bring to each others
lives. This was only the beginning of a life long journey together.
Angel first came to see Dr. Aman Sukhija in the winter of 2007. Angel had history of
seizures, but was otherwise healthy for an eight year old Chihuahua. In
December of 2008, Angel developed a severe cough. A thorough medical
evaluation and chest x-rays revealed that Angel had a heart
murmur, enlarged heart, and pulmonary edema. An electrocardiogram and doppler blood pressure reading were also performed and the diagnosis of
congestive heart failure was discovered. Pulmonary edema is an
accumulation of fluid in the lungs and congestive heart failure is a condition
in which the heart is unable to pump oxygen-rich blood adequately to meet the
body's needs. Dr. Sukhija consulted with a cardiologist and it was
determined that Angel should be started on a medication called furosemide- a
diuretic. Furosemide works to flush excessive water, sodium, and chloride from
the body and is used to treat the accumulation fluid caused by heart failure.
Dr. Sukhija also prescribed another medication called benazepril to help lower
Angel's blood pressure. He also placed Angel on a prescription diet by
Hill's called H/D. This diet is low in protein and sodium which is ideal
for dogs with heart conditions. Together, the medications, the new diet,
and Melissa's care kept Angel's heart failure under control.
By the end of January 2009, Angel's cough worsened. She began having difficulty breathing. After increasing Angel's dose of furosemide and starting her on a medication called butorphanol to help suppress her cough, she began to improve. Angel came in for another cardiac evaluation in March. Her cough and heart murmur worsened, although her blood pressure and bloodwork results were within normal limits. Dr. Sukhija took another set of x-rays and they showed that Angel's enlarged heart was pushing on her trachea (windpipe) and making it even more difficult for her to breathe. Dr. Sukhija made adjustments to her medications and had planned to see her again at the end of June for another cardiac evaluation. Sadly, Angel passed away at home on June21, 20009 due to the severity of the heart failure.
Angel was truly the poster perfect example of a companion animal. She was a huge part of the Manfredi family and will be truly missed by all. We admire the bond the Angel and Melissa will continue to carry forever in memories. Rest well, Angel.
--Written by Jennifer Liggett (Client Advocate)
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