In May 2019, Madison went to her primary vet, Dr. Katrina Johnson, for a routine visit and I was shocked she discovered a heart murmur. I was shocked to say the least. I was there 2 weeks prior for a cyst on her back, and there was no mention of a heart murmur.

Immediately my heart fell! Dr. Johnson took x-rays and performed a few other tests. Madison was only 8 years old. How could this be so? I knew I had to see a cardiologist.

There are not very many cardiologists in the Chicago area. I scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Luethy at Medvet of Chicago. He determined Madison was B1 and stable without medication.

Shortly after her initial appointment with Dr. Luethy, I saw Madison start a downward pattern of coughing while excited, often being tired and panting after a short visit outside. All these changes happened rather quickly. I moved her appointment sooner and found out just shy of 3 months, Madison had moved to B2 and started vetmedin.

The very next day, I started the quarantine process. I did have a phone consult with RVC in England and was advised that since Madison was B2, she could be bumped for a more severe dog. At the same time, I also had my cardiologist send my records to the Jasmine Clinic.

Shortly after, I receive a March 2020 surgery date from the Jasmine Clinic. As weeks went on, Madison continued to go downhill, and her heart murmur was 5/6. I asked Jasmine to please move my date sooner and was advised their English-speaking surgeon was out of the office until March. I told them I would use an application for translation, and they agreed to the February 24, 2020, surgery date. My case manager was Dr. Chen.

I watched Madison continue to decline and suffer during the hot summer months. I was so scared and nervous and just prayed that we could keep her stable until our arrival date for surgery. Nate was so kind to help with diet changes and provided so much help, support and guidance.

Madison had cardiology visits every 2 months and moved to moderate B2, with her heart pressing on her trachea. Finally it was time for our travels to Japan. I knew about the Covid virus and armed myself with plenty of masks and hand sanitizer.

We arrived in Japan on February 18, 2020, and Izu picked us up from the airport. I do recall going past the Diamond Princess ship that was offshore Japan with many covid passengers. That felt so leary to me, but here we are. Izu dropped us off to Atsuko's Azumino apartment. Atsuko gave us a tour and we settled in.

Finally. our pre-op visit was 4 days later, and Dr. Chen advised that Madison's valve was severe. I just burst into tears. She performed an echo and all bloodwork, and I signed all appropriate paperwork for Madison's surgery. I knew Madison was in the best hands possible.

February 24th arrived, and we were the 3rd surgery of the day. We arrived and they shaved Madison and brought her back out to me for a while. Surgery time arrived, and I knew it wouldn't be long until I saw her again. I kissed her goodbye and told her that mom will see her in just a little bit.

We went to a local restaurant close-by and was given a time to come back to the clinic. Madison was out of surgery after 3.5 hours. 7 chordae were replaced, and she did well during surgery. They did allow me back to see her and I knew the worst part was over.

We took the train daily to visit Madison and her numbers improved day by day. We brought her cooked chicken breasts daily, feeding her, and spent a little time with her. They released Madison from the clinic after 5 days. She was so excited to be released to me and it was so hard to keep her calm. Madison's heart returned to normal size by the time we left japan.

We continued with our follow-ups until the day arrived for us to fly back to Chicago. By this time, covid took hold in the US and flights were being shut down. We arrived home just in time.

Madison continued to improve leaps and bounds every single day. Our cardiology visits were great and Dr. Luethy could barely hear a murmur.

Madison stopped all heart medications after her surgery in Japan. Here we are, almost a year and a half later, with no heart medications needed. She has remained stable, and all cardiology visits remain positive.

First and foremost, I thank God. I also thank Nate, Dr. Chen, Dr. Masami and his team. I thank Dr. Luethy and my vet, Dr. Johnson. We all worked hand-in-hand for a successful surgery for my precious baby Madison.

Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: 9
Diagnosis: Stage B2
Surgery Date: February 24th, 2020
Hometown: Crete, IL, United States
Owner: Michelle Lawson-Fairfield
Primary Vet: Katrina Johnson VCA Forest South Animal Hospital
Cardiologist: Michael Luethy MedVet of Chicago
Surgical Team: Dr. Masami Uechi & Team at, Jasmine Cardiovascular Medical Center