Question About Congestive Heart Failure

[alimel]

What are the signs of Congestive Heart Failure? I think Mel is coming to this stage and after speaking with our vet this morning, he feels this could be happening. We are increasing Lasix again to see if this helps.

This morning was a bad morning, he was having a difficult time breathing and he was restless, every time he would try to lay down, he got back up again. Normally as soon as he lays down, he settles down and his beathing returns to normal, this morning was very bad until he finally settled down. He is resting now with my husband at home to keep an eye on him.

[Cearbhaill]

Exercise intolerance, heavy breathing, edema, chronic cough.
Has he had an ultrasound or EKG yet?

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

As you know, this is what finally took Miko. He was getting routine lung x-rays and echocardiograms. I'm not sure if your vet is a specialist or not, but I'd highly recommend a cardiologist to oversee Mel's condition.

Ultimately, Miko's little body just filled up with fluid. However, Miko also had compromised kidneys.

[AlaskaYorkie]

My Lab has a heart murmur, and the vet told me that could lead to congestive heart failure.

He told me the first sign to look for is coughing when he gets up from lying down. If I remember correctly, fluid gets into his lungs and he tries to clear it with a cough.

[golden&hovawart]

Sorry to hear this!.Will keep you both in my prayers!.
Here is what I found!:
http://pethealth.petwellbeing.com/wi..._Heart_Disease
Hope it helps.L

[mara]

Shortness of breath while at rest, wheezing, coughing and everything everyone else has already mentioned.
In humans it's not unusual that the Lasix dose has to be increased periodically. It's kind of like the body gets accustomed to the dose and an increase "kick starts" the kidneys again. Of course it could be that his heart failure is worsening....if the increase in Lasix doesn't help he may need a trip to the vet for an assessment.

Looking forward to an update and sending lots of good thoughts to you and Mel....and Buddy and your husband too!

[alimel]

He is not coughing. That is one of the things my vet asked me. Sometimes he gags but not real coughing.

He had an EKG and x-ray 6 months ago and a heart check up where they check his heartbeat and check for fluids 3 weeks ago.

Now I am confused It seemed as though he did not want to put his head down or lay down, it was very strange. This afternoon he is resting, it seems to be worse in the middle of the night and in the morning. What's worse is he has not gone to the bathroom today (#2) we were afraid to walk him and he is not used to going in his yard! My husband has been letting him out back to go and he just lays out there and it is too hot to let him stay out for long.

Golden, this was a great article, thank you.