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#1
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Congestive heart failure
Gunnar our 10 year old cocker spaniel was diagnosed with CHF in Oct last
year. He had kennel cough when we got him as a pup and it left him with a heart murmur which caused no problems till last year when he became exercise intolerant and was constantly panting. He has been on Vasotop 2.5mg since and it was like having a new dog. Since Jan of his year we noticed he was getting fatter and fatter even though he was on a strict diet. On examination by the vet he was put on frusemide 40mg to help him shift the fluids. Since then he has gotten larger and larger and the vet has increased the frusemide to 100mg. Basically we are being told that Gunnar has only around 6 more months if we are lucky, that the only treatment is diuretics and that they will finally lose the battle.Obviously we are devastated. The hardest part is, apart from the huge tight stomach, you wouldn't know there was anything wrong with him. He's extremely active, constantly getting his toys out to play and is eating like a horse and really does look bright eyed and bushy tailed. Any advice would be welcome. Many thanks |
#2
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Just love him and work with the vet. When CHF is severe, and the dog is
elderly, the medications beingused for your sweetie are the appropriate ones. The fact that the furosemide is not clearing the fluid well may indicate some degree of kidney failure, which is also common in elderly dogs. Discuss this with your vet; some change in diet may be indicated... or not indicated... but you do need to know.... Bless his old self... at least his take on life is a hearty one and he's enjoying being alive. That's a big plus. Jo Wolf Martinez, Georgia |
#3
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One thing we have been doing for my parent's dog .. it is not a
permanent fix by any means. The vet has drained fluid from their dog. The first time they drained 3.5 lbs of fluid from him. It lasts about 2-3 weeks. They changed his diuretic to aldactone 25mg. He doesn't seem to be drinking as much as when he was on the lasix. Currently he is on Theophylline, vasotec 2.5mg, aldactone, and lanoxin. His personality is still there but he doesn't play/run anymore. He has already outlived what the cardiologist thought. good luck with your babe! tracey (Jo Wolf) wrote in message ... Just love him and work with the vet. When CHF is severe, and the dog is elderly, the medications beingused for your sweetie are the appropriate ones. The fact that the furosemide is not clearing the fluid well may indicate some degree of kidney failure, which is also common in elderly dogs. Discuss this with your vet; some change in diet may be indicated... or not indicated... but you do need to know.... Bless his old self... at least his take on life is a hearty one and he's enjoying being alive. That's a big plus. Jo Wolf Martinez, Georgia |
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