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My 14 year old terrier/chihuahua mix seems to be having ...

Sent to Pet Experts February 14 2006 at 6:05 AM
   

My 14 year old terrier/chihuahua mix seems to be having heart failure. About 4 years ago an awful hacking cough began and her stamina began to decline simultaneously. Over the last four years we have spent thousands of dollars taking her to three different vets in order to determine the problem. Just knowing what I know about heart failure in humans has led me to ask about the possibility of heart failure at every visit. They typically take an x-ray and say that heart looks okay. She has every test and medicine imaginable for the hacking/gagging cough. It has progressed over the years. About 6 months ago, she was no longer able to jump up onto furniture (it seemed rather sudden) and since then her has only declined. This past weekend she stopped eating and has not drank much. She has no interest in anything - getting out of bed, going outside...nothing! It seems to take all her energy to just sit up. We took her into the vet last night and they found fluid in the lungs and her heart appeared to be slightly enlarged on one side. She is taking lasix to help rid the lungs of fluid. Still I got no straight answers on heart failure or alternate causes. I am simply looking for straight answers. Assuming it is heart failure, and she is now at this stage and is not eating, will the medicine get rid of the fluid and allow her to live a while longer or are we looking at days/weeks/months?? Any additional information is very greatly appreciated!!
Thank you
T Shep

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Female; Breed: terrier/chihuahua mix

Already Tried:
currently on lasix

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
February 14 2006 at 6:42 AM (37 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Yes. Getting rid of the fluid will the heart to pump better and more effectively. This usually gives dogs a lot of relief in the first few days.

It does sound like you are describing heart failure, particularly since you are seeing a decline in energy, movements and a cough.

The next step, if you want to find out how much damage there is to the heart is to get a cardiac ultrasound. This is the best diagnostic tool and can help you figure out where to go next.

Let me know if you still have questions.

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
February 14 2006 at 7:04 AM (21 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Will relief provided from the medicine be a long-term fix or very temporary? Basically I am wondering what the prognosis is if she stays on the medicine. From my research it seems that death from heart failure is a very rough way to go so I'm wondering if she will need to be helped along before that occurs.
Thank you.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
February 14 2006 at 9:11 AM (2 hours and 6 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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