Heart Murmur

[peterpotter]

I have a 17 yr old Shih Tsu who has been in very good health - until now. While the Vet has always said she had a slight heart murmur, there was never any outward signs. However, just yesterday, she stopped eating (very little intake at all), and today she developed a slight cough, especially when picked up. She always has watched her weight, so there's not much she can lose...especially since she's around 7.3 lbs.

The vet never rated her a number for the murmur, but always asked about restlessness and coughing, which she has had none of...until today. She doesn't wimper or seem like she's in discomfort, except when she does her cough...which sounds and looks much like she's trying to cough up a hairball. Thought they don't seem to be, are these coughing spells painful?

We want to ensure Quality of Life here....anyone have suggestion of what I could be doing, or if there's anything that might help the situaion. Even, if someone has anything with regards to what we should prepare for (except the obvious) as to how this may progress.

As a very "senior" dog, she has lost some of her eyesight and is slowly forgetting how to use her back end...but still manages to get around. She enjoys being around family and loves to be petted, sleeping willingingly on a lap.

Certainly, as the pup is 17, you may think I'm nuts to be thinking of hopeful solutions...but guidance would be much appreciated for our baby.

[golden&hovawart]

My best advice would be to take her to the vet who will try to clear her infection.
As for quality of life and the right time to let her,go,you will know.
I hope you find what is wrong with her and please keep up posted
Big hug and welcome,here.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I would take her to a Cardiologist. Miko has a 4/6 heart murmur, but it's managed well. I also took Miko to a holistic vet who put him quite a number of Chinese herbs. He has done much better since.

There are a number of medicines that can be used when the symptoms eventually get bad enough. They usually help to alleviate symptoms. Some dogs go downhill very quickly with a heart murmur, others not.

So, in a nutshell, Miko sees a traditional Cardiologist and an Eastern Medicine holistic vet. We have found a nice balance between the two although it's somewhat pricey.

[doglover1984]

I would take her to the vet as it may not have anything to do with the murmor JMO. I hope she gets better and remains in your family for many more years. Keep us posted.

[K9's Forever]

It has only been slightly over a year since I lost my last two pomeranian's to heart disease. It is not an easy thing to go through. My two had congestive heart failure. Medicine worked for a while, but eventually it does not. I let my little Baby go longer than I should have. It makes me sad every time I think about it. My advise to you is, if she is not able to sleep comfortably, it is time. Watch very carefully for the rapid weight loss as well, that is a sign it may be later then you will like. I feel your pain. God bless all of you.

[EmmaGirl]

Heart murmurs usually are the result of some sort of valve mysfunction. Some are mild, some moderate, some quite severe. Cardiology intervention would be a great idea. Some can lead to complete Congestive Failure that needs to be aggressively managed with diuretics (water pills) and other Cardiac meds.

I'm not a vet type person but I have spent working in a Cardiology setting (albeit, human). I would certainly seek out a specialized vet and send you many prayers.

EG

[djbutler]

I have an older Shih-tzu we call the ancient one. Every fall she picks up the most disgusting cough. The first time she did this we quarantined her in the bedroom.....almost ruined our sex life....LOL We run her on antibiotics to make sure its not pneumonia and x-ray for collapsing trachea. She stopped going outside 2 years ago because of problems seeing ....she has no cateracs.....and uses a litter pan. I even ruined an antique table running a humidifier hoping to ease her breathing. I understand how you feel. I cant see putting her down for the cough tho people look at us funny when she has a spell. She sleeps on the couch when she is not busy giving the kids a hard time. It is a hard decision as to when is the right time but as long as she is wagging her tail we will keep on fighting for her. Just work with your vet to make her comfortable and she will let you know when its time.

[peterpotter]

I want to thank everyone for the great advice. It's Nice to talk to a community who cares so much. While I was hopeful when seeing our little O'Malley's tail wag, I'm very unhappy to report that the eventual conclusion surfaced the following afternoon. It was a very quick progression but at least devoid of much pain. We were able to cuddle with her for several hours, with our final trip traveling in Mom's arms, ensconced in her favorite blanket and encapsulated in a comfortable daydream. The vet was in agreement that our time had come.
The loss is certainly profound - with fleeting glimpses still fresh in our minds. It's amazing how they become so much a part of our world. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Hope to cross paths under better circumstances.
Doggedly,P2

[doglover1984]

Oh hun I am so sorry to hear that but at least you know that she isn't in pain anymore. I know that doesn't make it any easier for you but just know that we here at the forum and thinking and praying for you. Hugs.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Wow, that was fast. I actually hope that when Miko's time comes, it goes like that and doesn't drag on and on with an ever-increasing boatload of meds and all their side-effects.

At 17 years old, you gave your dog a great life. Now O'Malley is running pain free looking forward to seeing you again at a later date.

{{Hugs from me and my furkids}}