13/10/2026
Our sweet 1 1/2 year old boxer, Yuki, was breathing very fast on Saturday and we took him to the vet. We were stunned to find out he heart was beating at around 250 beats per minute. He collapsed at the vet clinic, a syncope episode. Later, his electrocardiogram showed he has a condition called DCM (Dilated cardiomyopathy) and Atrial Fibrillation. His heart is damaged to the point of congestive heart failure. He showed no symptoms of his failing heart other than heavy breathing and one minor episode of syncope a few days before we brought him to the vet. He had been outside running around and we thought he got overheated.
We had to drive him from Fort Worth to the emergency vet hospital in Dallas. We were there until 2 am. The next day we heard from the cardiologist and received the devastating report of his severe DCM. After a couple sleepless nights we learned he was showing slight improvement and we visited him on Monday. We were hopeful he might be released today but his heart rate is still unstable. He will probably be released Wednesday (tomorrow). He is breathing normally, his heart rate has been better thanks to several medications. Even with the treatments his life expectancy is maybe 9-12 months.
We are heartbroken. To us our dogs are family. We work from home and are with them all day. Our children are grown and although we see them and our grandchildren frequently, we are with our dogs day and night. They are affectionate boxers, super sweet and close to us. Yuki holds a really special place in my heart. My oldest son died in August 2024. As you can imagine this was the worst thing that ever happened to me. As a mother, very close to my son, I was beyond heartbroken. We had a young boxer, Kameko, who suddenly became ill in early 2025. She died of stomach cancer in February 2025. She was only two years old. We were already expecting Yuki to arrive in March 2025 and he did. After the unexpected death of Kameko, Yuki’s arrival was such a blessing. I became very close to him. He has always been by my side for the past year and a half.
Needless to day, I have been an emotional mess this week. We are hoping he will come home tomorrow. Please pray for our sweet boy. I am totally broken.
