Congestive Heart Failure & Enlarged Heart in Dogs

[@DrLera]

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐞𝐫𝐚'𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞. 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗. 𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 & 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞'𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 & 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐏𝐒: 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨, 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨. 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 & 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚.

[@jclit1776]

@J Ozzy wtf are you saying

[@unevolvedbigtime]

@J Ozzy You're such a loser

[@mjremy2605]

Absolutely ok to cough, sneeze, etc. This was filmed in July 2018, long before Covid entered the US. Besides so what? His patient is a dog. Coughing is not a sign you have anything. Most likely an irritated throat from pollen allergens in mid-July?

[@minhtrangchu1932]

Hi Dr. Lera. My dog is Ipod , male , 3 years old ,13 kg. He has a problem with his breath for a while. But before , he had a hard breath (breath by tummy) in few times / couple months. And now, he has had that for a week with multiple times especially at night. He already got check with X-ray and the doctor said it doesn’t have any water in lung. So the doctor decided to give him 2 days allergy pill(clopheramin ) . Ipod did less breath hard. But after I took video of his breath , the doctor decided to treat his problems like water in lung with antibiotics amoxicillin and furosemide in 7 days to get water out. He already did 1 day . Last night he breathed hard more and fast, his temperature 38,7c . He still eats and play , poo well. Can you please let me know that medicine is it ok for him? And is he really getting water in lung or heart pain? Thank you so much

[@thisgustin]

Which medications are typically prescribed for a dog (ours is a cocker spaniel poodle) who has an enlarged heart? It's been affecting his trachea as well, causing him to cough a lot, even at night. Our vet suggested an ace inhibitor and furosemide diuretic. Will this help him live a prolonged life? Will he suffer less? Will this help to reduce the size of his heart? He's not overweight and lives in a smoke free home.

[@Osky305]

My dog. Shitzu mix Maltese. Was diagnosed two months ago.. He's almost 16. Had him since 1. Love him with all my life. He's taking three meds, half a pill of each every 12 hours. He seems normal but my whole family always has eyes on him. Someone is always with him. I know I've given him a great life. A super life. I know we all wish we had more time, it's normal but that's life. We come and we go. He's laying right next to me right now but I just wished I had another 15 years with him but I pray I have this whole 2020 with him . Remember all dogs go to heaven. Just spend as much time with them

[@aurorapetrova]

Omg! My dog same as you, almost 16 this october. Hes a shih tzu. Want it to make it to 16. But we arent convinced. Good luck x

[@aurorapetrova]

How is he now?

[@Osky305]

@@aurorapetrova good actually . Way better. He is now 16. Right now he is sleeping on his bed. Yesterday we went kayaking and had a blast. You could easily think he didn't have any condition. Also the furosemide is now only 1/4! 🤗

[@blankblank9403]

God bless you for taking care of that dog for so long. Ive had My dog for 11years I'm 28.. I cant really afford the pet bills but I'm praying he doesnt have this. But all the signs are there.... I will pray to have more time with him though.

[@BabeArixo]

I’m on the same exact boat as you. I’m crying my eyes out.

[@lookskywater7035]

My terrier mix just passed away last night from this at the age of 11 as well. i wanted to watch this to see if i could have done more for her, we had her meds increased and she was still getting worse. The last 2 weeks she was in her final stages, loss of appetite, stomach was slightly bigger, lots and lots of coughing. She became very weak where she couldnt stand straight. On her last day yesterday , she gave my family and i looks that she never gave us before, looked me in my eyes with concern . I feel she knew it was coming to an end but could not tell us. Im very destroyed by this,but she is an angel now

[@precisionbrown6829]

Don’t torture yourself. You did the best you could with this condition. It’s emotional enough, don’t think you didn’t do enough. It’s such an emotional roller coaster you did your best and it was your terriers time. Bless your heart for being as kind as you were. There’s no cure darling. Just put it in your past and enjoy your memories ❤️

[@damiienevo4053]

I’m so so sorry for your loss

[@precisionbrown6829]

God bless you and your baby. I know it’s very emotional. I’m going through this now too. Just for your comfort, she’s pain free and back to being happy. ❤️🌹

[@precisionbrown6829]

As a dog lover myself and have 2 now, one with heart problems, we all do the best we can. When it’s their time, it’s very emotional. It’s easier to comfort the other guy than to actually go through it yourself. I’ve been there too many times but I’ll continue to rescue man’s best friend because that’s what they are and you gotta love them for that. They’re all beautiful. I’m hoping to get another few years out of my terrier mix. All we all can do is our best. We do that willingly

[@precisionbrown6829]

@Alex Cruz we always feel guilty thinking we could have done better but realistically dude, we did the best we could do. 16 years is a beautifully long time to be with your best friend Bless your heart ❤️

[@holaimlexx]

We just put down our 13-year-old Shih Tzu yesterday because of this. (the day before thanksgiving) He survived a whole year, but he was on 3-5 meds and was extremely uncomfortable. I kind of watched this video to help me feel better and it did. We made the right decision. Seeing the x-ray and the dog panting made me realize that giving him peace was the best option. I'm thankful for the breakdown and visuals of this video.

[@DrLera]

Hi Alexis, so sorry to hear about your loss. It seems like you made the right decision for him. We're glad that you found this video helpful in some way. Sending you virtual hugs from all of our family!

[@nicolejohnson6145]

Our dog Knox died exactly the same day 11.25.20, at about 10am from congestive heart failure. I’m here now doing the same thing. We were with him when he went, which we were so truly thankful for that moment. I will miss that dog for the rest of my life. 😢

[@holaimlexx]

@@nicolejohnson6145 I completely understand how you feel. Dogs are a part of our daily routine. When they leave, it feels like such a huge gap. Sometimes I’ll get up to take him outside and realize he’s not here. They really are angels on earth. Wishing you the best.

[@marvmon4735]

Thank you for your comment Queen im dealing with this with my Pom and i just want him to be at peace without suffering

[@holaimlexx]

@@marvmon4735 I get it. It's a hard decision, but peace was the deciding factor for me too. Especially since they can't tell us how they feel.

[@debbiewebb5528]

My sweet baby is 2 years old. Just diagnosed with CHF and she’s coughing and her entire heart is enlarged. So young!!!

[@sayantanisinha9042]

Hi! My baby is 2 years old as well and just got diagnosed with an enlarged heart. Can you please tell me how your child is doing now after the diagnosis?

[@Ravenlnk]

My 13 year old Chihuahua died of congestive heart failure a few hours ago, by the time we realized something was off about her she was having trouble breathing then foam came out of her nose and her tongue turned blue ish. We rushed to the vet but she died in my arms before we could get there. She lived a long time and now I'm just sitting on my chair because I would always play with her but I can't anymore. It feels so much different without her, she came a long way from an aggressive dog to a loving sweet heart. I made a promise to her while she was struggling to breathe that I would always be with her and I will never forget her, now that the time has come it's time to keep that promise. She was the best thing to ever happen to me.

[@victorm6176]

I agree now is in heaven , god bless you

[@ishaan9992]

Sending love to you my brother

[@miksauceda1147]

I feel our pain.😢

[@precisionbrown6829]

Well my Jack Russell foster fail has this. She was diagnosed at 6 years old. When I first rescued her she was an abuse victim. It took almost 2 years just for me to touch her. She found a safe spot under my bed so I let her stay there for a few days. Eventually now we’re inseparable. But she has heart disease. More drugs. I’m just keeping her as comfortable as possible. 💗I really in my heart believe it’s caused from overbreeding these little guys. 💔

[@IBLV2DOU]

Thank you. My schnauzer is in CHF, started Vetmedin and Lasix six weeks ago. He’s breathing harder at still times. Was slower, walks were terrible, ten minutes was enough down from 30 minutes before we found out why. He turns 13 on Jan 24, so glad hes still here. He’s suffered from a lupus disease and has had the lumpy fat all over plus the feet swelling so on four meds to control that for nine years. Great dog. We’ll keep him around as long as he is comfortable and happy. They get old way too soon!

[@precisionbrown6829]

I know time flies especially when you love them like we do. There’s never enough time 💓

[@princesa2180]

Awe man sorry to hear that. My schnauzer turned 13 on St Patrick’s Day and he was diagnosed with CHF a few months later. Right now he is on 3 meds and fighting to breathe. I love him so much. Hoping for the best. He is so thin now. He got worse so fast. I am so sad right now. Had him since he was six weeks old.

[@bw1841]

Chf dogs need cool temperature, 70f or less, to walk or they will get too hot. They need a low sodium diet, not just any dog food, most is too high. You have to call the manufacturer and find out sodium% of DRY MATTER, not as fed basis. Recommended is .2% preferably less.

[@skyesthelimit910]

My sweet little Snooki just got diagnosed with CHF last week. She will be 13 years old in January. She is on pimobendan and furosemide which seems to help but some days her breathing is really funny. She also doesn’t have much of an appetite. She is my world and I’m so scared 😭. I love her so much. 💙

[@johnkrzywiec9638]

Lost my Tanner, a chi-weenie (dachshund chihuahua mix) nearly 1 year ago to the day 11/19/23. He was 15 and still had a lot of life left right to the end. Was diagnosed with a heart murmur during a physical and put on pimobenden. No signs until his 1st “episode” 18 months later. Started with dry hacking occasionally and after drinking water too fast. That hacking changed one weekend to a more serious sounding issue. He also looked lethargic. When he showed labored breathing, took him to ER. After 4hrs in oxygen & Lasix IV, Dr called stating he was much better and could go home in the AM. They gave him 10X too much furosemide over 4 hours during the night and damaged kidneys. 8 days in ICU and was miraculously released. He now had CHF and damaged kidneys. He improved but never like he was before ICU. It became a balancing act between heart meds and diaretic as they work against each other. Two more trips to ER and 3 months after he was over medicated he had a seizure and passed in my arms. He

[@Alid223]

Something I wanted to share because I had no idea.. they need low sodium diets. That was a game changer for my dogs. We even got to lower the does of furosemide because of it!

[@gailchypyha3587]

The Furosemide gave my dog seizures...so frightening to watch, then he would vomit.

[@crazydoglady5]

@@gailchypyha3587 Clindamycin just destroyed my dogs heart. now she will die. Ignore the vets and drs, they have no clue. I watched it and have documented proof it was the antibiotic. there are also other antibiotics that will take out people and pets with heart disease. BEWARE of drugs. THEY KILL. Use herbs such as dandelion, hawthorn, taurine, di-ribose, Ubiquinol.

[@brookeholder4807]

Do you have a food recommendation?

[@COMPUTER.SCIENCE.]

​@@gailchypyha3587 did u continue giving Furosemide to your dog? Did he get used to it or still having bad side effects such as seizure?

[@gailchypyha3587]

@COMPUTER.SCIENCE. He continued to have seizures. I don't understand why there is only 1 heart medication for dogs?! And why is the side effect, seizures? I am sure the veterinarian labs can develop another heart medication without those awful side effects. He suffered terribly. In the end, he had a brain tumor, I am wondering if that was also caused by the Fuorisimide?

[@iremnurildiri264]

Hello there. I'm studying veterinary medicine in Turkey. We learn this topic in the internal medicine course. I found this video while I was searching for educational videos on the internet. really thanks. You have been very helpful.

[@DrLera]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@darcye7629]

My 15 yr old daschund was just diagnosed. With Chronic degenerative valve disease. Of course I blamed myself. Broght her to the hospital as soon as she was breathing heavily. Thanks for the video. Shes currently on 2 meds lasiks and a heart med.

[@DrLera]

Glad it was helpful. God bless

[@ValuableShort]

Took my dog to the vet yesterday they told me he has CHF. He has an enlarged heart I was shown this in the xray they took. Jojo was a 14 1/2 year old Jack Russell who would swim everyday of the spring and summer in my pool. He died in my arms this morning at 10:15am PST, I spent 15 minutes trying to revive him. Both vets i took him to said he was fine and that his heavy breathing was normal. They prescribed him Vetmiden. I gave him his first dose last night. I spent most of the night rubbing him and talking to him. Why didn't they give me anything for the pain he was in? Why didn't they tell me he was in critical condition. I told them I want him treated at any cost. The vet lied to me and told me he would be with someone during the day and they never took him outside to urinate. When I got home he urinated for 30 seconds. Also I was told it would be only two hours and they would call me on my cell by noon. I had to call them at 1:00pm and was nervous because i thought something bad had happenned. They told me at 1:00PM that they were behind and would call me when he was ready to be picked up. They called me about 1.5 hrs later at 2:20. When I arrived to pick him up they told me it would be 15-20min wait because vet was in surgery. I said well then please let me have my dog back at least. The assistent said one sec i will ask. She came back and said ok come back with me and she stuck me in a waiting room for about 20 miunutes and never brought me my dog. It gets worse as they didn't do the xrays correctly and then the in house lab was closed for some odd reason so they told me i had to wait 24-48hrs for the blood work results which i never agreed to. The only reason i took him to the Vet was beacuse they had a in house lab with a 2-3hr turn around. It was heart breaking to watch my baby boy suffer and put his head up and looked at me right before he died as if to tell me it was time to go and then he got up and started hyperventilating and tried to throw up I had him in my arms and he was choking adnd couldnt breath. I got him on is back opened his airway and began CPR.I checked for a pulse and found none. I began chest compressions and continued talking to him and stopped after 20 minutes. My parents were with me and were yelling at Jojo to wake up and helping me with the CPR. I thought i saw his eyes move so I continued CPR for 15 more minutes. I hope know one has to go through what we experienced. It's so damn hard to find a good vet these days,they're all business first! It's sick how they front this, we love animals hype!

[@anthonym3351]

So sad you had to go through that Jojo is in peace now.

[@patthompson2401]

Omg! Ive losts pets and still have 3 fur babies, i cannot stop crying for you and jojo, you should never have been put through such pain and heartbreak, report that practice to the veterinary association. Jojo is free from suffering now, he is in a better place full of love, you will see him again, love and hugs to you and your family.x

[@ValuableShort]

@@anthonym3351 Thank you, I miss him sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!

[@ValuableShort]

@@patthompson2401 Thank you, I mean that from the bottom of my heart! I spent the morning thinking about him. I'd do anyhtng to bring him back. I can't believe he's gone. He was my soul mate, my best friend.

[@anthonym3351]

@@ValuableShort Sad to hear that, my 18 yo jrt was going great up to day, she won't stand up all of a sudden vets are closed she may be coming to the end. Did you get a new dog?

[@javierayala1648]

I had to put down my 12 year and 5 month old Pomeranian about 2 weeks ago bc of CHF. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur about a year ago! And took him to the vet last month bc he was gagging and coughing a lot at night! He was first put on pimobendan and then as he got worse this year they put him on furosemide and enalapril but didn’t help much. I took him in and they told me his heart murmur went from a grade 3 to a 5! And then 2 weeks ago he collapse on me and was choking and gagging on his own blood. His gums turned really pale and rush him in to the vet but they weren’t as friendly! They seemed to care more about the money than my dog! They took him in and told me he would need to spend the night on oxygen so he did! The next morning I get a call that he was still breathing heavy and couldn’t breath comfortably outside of the oxygen cage. I asked the vet what could be done and they said nothing! I went to see him he tried to get up to pee and fell right back down! His gum still pale! It truly broke my heart and I sort of knew it was maybe time! Even though till this day I always wonder if I could have done more for him or not! It breaks my heart that my boy is no longer here! People tell me I did the right thing but I still feel so guilty about it 😞😭

[@anqiien]

my dog is currently staying overnight in the hospital for the same reason. i’m terrified.

[@sparkysmom7149]

Sadly, CHF has only one outcome, no matter how many meds they take. It only delays the inevitable. Don't feel guilty. God bless you

[@IntegraDIY]

Excellent video. My 11 year old jack russell terrier mix died this morning April 11, 2024 @10:08am. The worst part about it, I feel.. is that the doctor told us he has had this issue for at least 3 month’s minimum, but he just started coughing last week. By that time she said it was already too late, the heart has been over worked and was closing his wind pipe.

[@CRYINGONION2024]

My senior pug was just diagnosed today for enlarged heart. Thank you for the video.

[@wildcat77]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@sin...5982]

Same! I am devastated

[@sunshine.9999]

Same here 😔 my 10 yr old pug chelsea just got diagnosed.

[@LordKnaves]

Our 10 year old dog is experiencing chronic cough and she has CHF. We brought her to the vet yesterday and her meds were adjusted. I am hoping the meds will help with her breathing and coughing. Every time she coughs, its heart wrenching as she's my baby but I can't do anything to make the coughing go away. All I can do is cry.

[@Tammy-mj2rw]

I am so sorry..I am going thro the same exact thing with my Sadie Mae 😢..she has had a heart issue since birth. But her cough is relentless and not responding so far to meds... I dread what we are facing soon..putting her down. Best wishes to you❤

[@rosecorrea2489]

So sorry I’m so scare losing my baby.

[@sharonoconnell7914]

I really want to thank you for all you are doing for these animals, and for all the information you provide. It has helped more than you know. Hero's all !!

[@jolenecreech7648]

Thank you for this info. I really appreciate hearing/educating myself on this since my dog’s diagnosis.

[@DrLera]

Thanks for watching, Jolene. Glad you found this video helpful.

[@louiscabral7306]

Hello Dr🖐️😎 I have a terrier mix ,he is also 11yrs old, he's a very energetic, happy,,just took him in for what seemed like to us stomach problems, no coughing, heavy breathing ever, had some X-rays done, found some problems, his hip , and half his heart(left side), shows slightly enlarged, really scared and upset about it, blood test come back tomorrow, we had no idea !

[@mjremy2605]

I really appreciate this video! My little rescued Malti-Poo had some bad sessions of coughing last night after we came back from a long walk. I think it was too much for him. Ever since I got him, he squeals when I pick him up under the chest. He squealed badly last night when I lifted him. It is most likely congestive heart failure, though could be a bronchial issue. I will have a vet look at him today. I was relieved to hear that kennel cough may be treatable. Mikke is 14 yrs old and was very neglected in his past. I built him up with good food and exercise and expert care, but the damage may already be done. Thank you so much for this video. These are so helpful in making decisions about your pet and not needlessly worry.

[@mlgwolftrix4708]

How is he now? My dog got diagnosed yesterday with it

[@pinaypie83]

My 11 year old Shih Tzu passed away from this 3 weeks ago. He’s had a grade 3 heart murmur for 4 years but his vet never mentioned starting him on heart meds. He stopped eating and drinking few days before he passed and when they did the X-ray his heart was enlarged and his lungs were filled with fluids. I don’t know if it’s related to his heart failure but he also had damaged spine. His hind legs quit on him night before he passed. We had to put him to sleep. I love him too much to see him be in pain. R.I.P my sweet boy. Mommy is so lonely without you 💔

[@soshesews9117]

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand. I just lost my 14 1/2 year old Shih Tzu too. He too had an enlarged heart and fluid in his lungs. He had bladder surgery 10 months before and nothing was said about his heart so his heart problems were unexpected. I made the very difficult decision to put him down. I miss him very much.

[@thenamesmichael7335]

Any rare chances can happen to a puppy as well and can't do nothing about. My 6 week puppy died last night on my mom arms. We named him max and he was screaming in pain slowly because he knows he's gonna pass away from feeling the pain. He saw his last mother and brother one last time and right after he died... 😭 . I hate this enlarged heart cardiomyopathy problems! Rest in peace angel. You're up there and not suffering the pain no more.

[@learntosign]

It's nice to know I'm not alone. My jack baby vot diagnosed yesterday with CHF. Wish we could take it away. =( I love her so much.

[@6mtG]

How is he doing?

[@bw1841]

Chf dogs need cool temperature, 70f or less, to walk or they will get too hot. They need a low sodium diet, not just any dog food, most is too high. You have to call the manufacturer and find out sodium% of DRY MATTER, not as fed basis. Recommended is .2% preferably less.

[@bklynsteph66]

😢❤

[@bklynsteph66]

​@@bw1841I make homemade easy solution not too much effort for our babies to help problem.

[@learntosign]

@@6mtG she passed on Jan 7th 2023 =( Miss her more and more.

[@britybearx3]

just found out our 10 year old toy poodle has this. we put her on meds but we’re devastated and feel it’s too late

[@PoeLemic]

This was very helpful. I think my dog might have CHF. She's drinks a lot of water and coughs after it. Also, she's got some wheezing in the lungs, maybe some water is going down in lungs. But, we raised her bowl to head level and that kept her from drinking nonstop. She is on Apoquel, but we reduced the dosage (since it's not her time where the allergies are prominent). So, we're taking her to Vet tomorrow, but she has had a few syncope episodes (two that we know of). They are scary af, because we love her. Man, it's like she has 3 to 4 hour window after the syncope episode where she is like paralyzed, but just now, honest, she got up and acted freaking normal (almost). Very, very strange. But, she's older now, and she's had a good Vet for most of her life -- after 8 yrs old, we met good one at Petsmart. But, what you showed in the video, I would not doubt is her issue. Granted, she's had brochochitis for a while, but it's not really affected her until now. She's doing some of that dry coughing and acting like she's got a hairball. Nothing comes out. Anyway, I don't want to waste your time, but thank you for making videos and helping the Layperson try to understand / help diagnose what is happening.

[@tommyhanvev]

my dog has the exact symptoms you have listed. It's such so hurtful to see them go through these :(

[@juliehoward7396]

@@tommyhanvev mine too, so sad!

[@no-bq8hv]

My chihuahua was born with a heart murmur. Later in life he developed CHF and was put on diuretics. His body shape changed, making him very rounded. The vet told me that's from an enlarged heart and more fluid build-up. He increased the dosage. For months the treatment was the same: rinse, repeat (increase the dosage) while my dog kept getting worse and worse and suffered more and more. Skip died at home early in the morning at the age of 10. Having since experienced that, and since we all know there is NO cure, I wish the vet had suggested euthanasia instead of increasing the dosage. I watched my dog suffer for months. The meds didn't help my dog. It prolonged the suffering. It seems the vet treats the symptoms to help the dog OWNER who may not be ready to part ways. I will never do that to a dog again.

[@beckybillington2658]

Hi - my dog is a rescue, medium size street dog (in Ecuador). He was diagnosed with an enlarged heart in December last year - we can't be sure of his age but the vets say possibly between 11 and 15 years. He's on heart medication but he still does a wretching cough a few times a day and I've looked up this can be normal if there's fluid collecting or something. Basically I want to make sure I am doing EVERYTHING I can to give him the best life, but I am scared since the diagnosis. Just now, he made the loudest awful sound I've never heard before, then he hacked up a tiny bit of phlegm, but it was the noise that shocked me and I actually thought he was dying. It was a few seconds long and painful sounding. I am so worried about what will happen when he goes and what I can do for him to not have him suffer. One vet told me that it could be painful at the end, that he might have a heart attack, so I just want to be prepared to do everything I can to help him not be in pain. If there is any advice at all please let me know. He may still have months left - or years, I don't even know - some days he is so healthy, some moments he seems so playful and happy and others so tired and fed up. I really appreciate any help or advice at all. Thank you. Becky

[@juleswrld888]

Thanks for this excellent explanation. My 15 year old terrier recently had to be put down because of this exact issue. Doesn't seem like there are really any great solutions to combat it.

[@ThePhobosAnomally]

I'm going to talk about putting my dog to sleep. She is 13 yearls old and she has a really hard time because of this illness. Her medication is maxed out (for 1 year now). I feel pretty terrible about this, but I've seen a lot of videos where veterinarians are saying that quality of life is more important that quantity and that this illness is very painful for a dog and it's better to put down sooner than later. I love my dog.

[@thefurbeastunderyourbed5012]

The part where the Doc said that increased panting rate when picking the dog up by his chest may be a symptom unsettled me a little bit, as this is what's happening with my (now) 12 yr old dachshund (picture). And sometimes he seems to be out of breath too for no reason.

[@Hana-sc9qx]

My 3 Yr old collie has just been diagnosed with an enlarge heart. The vet wasn't expecting this at all, he went in because he has been drooling a little more than usual & they did quite a few tests mainly on his stomach & bowels & thought they would do his throat & chest. His throat is fine & then they decided to do his chest which showed an enlarge heart which is slightly pressing against his pipe. He has only just turned 3. But because they found this out he is being tested for heart disease as he has never had an xray done before especially when he was younger so they don't know whether he was born with it or not so decided to do bloods. He is also having his kidneys and liver looked at. Its really hard because at the moment over here it's been very warm for the last 4 months & I wasn't sure whether it was because its been very warm or he's anxious as he is quite nervous boy. But I kept thinking ive had him since 10 weeks old & he has never drooled during the summer months. Its not a lot but he isn't the sort of dog to drool except for car journeys. He was really unwell on Saturday because they gave him medication thinking it could be acid reflux, but he had a bad reaction to it, was sick 6 times on Saturday. Since stopping his meds he is no longer sick but now his bowel movements have changed so the vet decided two days ago to have him in to do testing. The vet wasnt expecting this & was quite shocked. I'm hoping he doesn't have heart disease and that he was just born with it. We were told if he doesn't have it they will keep an eye on him but will need more tests mainly on his bowels to make sure they are not missing anything. My old dog had an enlarge heart & a collapsed trachea. She lasted until she was 12 but died due to cancer. (We had to put her to sleep). But she still thought she was a pup until her last days.

[@mjremy2605]

Collies have a lot of issues for some reason. Be sure to feed him real food - meat, veggies, raw greens, cooked eggs, sardines, Greek yoghurt, fish oil, etc. It helps a lot. I feel for you. I hope it all works out. Very sad when its a young dog.

[@precisionbrown6829]

Just remember there is not a cure for this. I’m going through the same exact thing as you are. My girl is 7. Her heart enlarged a lot in 2 months. Giving her 3 to 4 different medications made me a little leery. Now nothing kept working. Everything was good for a few months and then it got worse. Now she’s just been put on hydrocodone. I’m wondering about the dosage. If I can increase it or wait. It’s been just about 24 hours.

[@razanbshara2385]

My dog never coughed before but suddenly got episodes of syncope and with X Ray we found out a heart murmur and within a week he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

[@ninabraelyn1857]

Thanks for the information! What can we do to help ease the dog’s breathing especially when the dog is coughing so badly at night while sleeping?

[@nicolejohnson6145]

Dog parents, don’t wait to get them the medical attention they need. This horrible disease took my sweet baby Knox Johnson, 11 yr. old Chihuahua on 11.25.2020. We did EVERYTHING possible to save his little life, but he was gone only 5 short months after he was diagnosed. Absolutely heartbreaking. I beg you, take your pet in NOW to be treated. They would do anything for you. Give them the same grace.

[@forfexsake]

Our 18 month old Newfie was just diagnosed with CHF and told we have less than 6 months with her.

[@doraortiz8920]

Thank you so much for the video ! I took my 14 year old dog to the vet because he was having a really bad cough . They told me he has a heart murmur and has a CHF and he also has fluid in his lungs . It pains me to know that this is going on to him . So many tell me to put him down but I don’t think I can ever do it . I will try to cherish the amount of time I have left with him .

[@mjremy2605]

Don't let your pet suffer. When every breath is painful, its an effort to live an hour longer. Please don't let him suffer. I feel your pain, its awful, but you will feel better if he is no longer in pain. Good luck!

[@84848AR]

Try natural medications for pets go on amazon they have great vitamins and natural meds for their heart health dandelion is a great one so is cq10 do some research you will be surprise how much it helps them

[@adrianarangel5623]

This is so sad. I'm going threw the same exact thing with my little man. Im devastated. I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with him now. He collapses to his side and pees himself.

[@IBLV2DOU]

Mine has same diagnosis. So sorry. We’ll do the same. God Bless.

[@lisabarrett219]

My 10 year old chiweenie was diagnosed with chf a week ago. He is on 3 meds now , his tight belly has gone down some, but so far he still coughs terribly

[@MsVimora]

My dog was diagnosed with early stage heart disease after the vet detected a murmur. No medicine was prescribed. Fast forward 8 months, he is now coughing almost everyday. The coughing happens at rest or during excitement. Is a chest x-ray or heart echo better to check if the disease has progressed? What are the main differences?

[@LurKiiNGaming]

Good video, matches my dogs X-Ray and symptoms, which I have been treating for about 2 years.

[@captainenaad9579]

What are the treatments for it

[@WorrywartAdventures]

Our Chihuahua was diagnosed with this 2 years ago. He is on all the usual meds snd a low sodium diet. 6 months ago he reached the point that we thought he may need to be put down. His lasix was increased slightly and Spironolactone added and 6 months later he is going strong. Is Spironolactone normally prescribed for chf?

[@elizabethdiaz6508]

You’re video is helpful my dog has a bad cough I tried everything and he’s not getting any better I love my dog so much and he’s … Epilepsy he takes a pill everyday to control seizures. The pill is the cause for his heart in large. His lungs and heart are to big he has trouble breathing 😭 I pray that my dog gets better he’s getting old . He’s 12 years old. He’s Maltese poodle. ♥️ his name is Bear bear . Thank you doctor.

[@saydegian]

My dog just died with Congestive Heart Failure, and everything Doc said is accurate.

[@michaelhouston3186]

Oh I’m so sorry for ur loss my dog is dying to I love her so much 😭

[@MartinisnOlives]

I'm so sorry. I'm taking my dog in today for a diagnosis as she's exhibiting some of these symptoms. 😢❤️

[@DrLera]

Please SUBSCRIBE if you found this helpful and/or want to see more!

[@annettesutton1453]

My Simon is a 5 lb Chihuahua, 17.5 years old. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age 5, enlarged heart at age 15. His vet at the time did not think meds were warranted yet. I begged ti differ and took him to his original vet. She put him on vetmedin and furosemide , also gabapentin for pain in his spine. Last week she told me he had no more space in his chest for his lungs to expand and I should take him home, pamper him, feed him anything he wants and just love him. She said it would basically be hospice care. That was a week ago today. Can I get a round figure of our remaining time together? She did not want to say but I need to know. Thank you very much. This dog saved my life and my sanity years ago and I MUST do right by him,not by me.

[@DrLera]

We can't really give you an exact amount of time. If you wanted to try and be as precise as possible I would think an ultrasound of the heart would give more information and there would be consultation with a veterinary cardiologist. Otherwise if your vet is telling you pamper him I would think days to weeks

[@davidbentick]

Hello, do you still have your little guy, I’m sorry if you haven’t. How much longer did you have him? Best regards, David.

[@ScottLeRoc]

My English bulldog was misdiagnosed at 11 years old - I watched fantastic videos like this and managed to get her on vetmedin & furosemide and she's made it happily to 11 years and 8 months. Everyday feels like a blessing. In the last few days she has began to feint when she poo's and she is very lethargic. She isn't coughing and has been eating well until today. Is there any advice that may help? I do not want to euthanise early but I am also mindful of waiting too long.

[@DrLera]

I would be curious to see what her blood work and possible xrays of her chest(for pulmonary edema) and abd (looking for splenic tumor to make sure she is not bleeding in her abd). These are the major and scary things that I would do and check for

[@cindithompson2187]

Thank you, I think this is what is going on with my chihuahua mix. It seems to be getting worse so I will take her to the vet to get her checked out. Very helpful video.

[@DrLera]

Glad it was helpful!

[@2sh0t61]

How did it go?

[@cindithompson2187]

@@2sh0t61 she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure July 29th. Almost 1 liter of fluid drained from abdomen area. Started meds. 2 weeks later filling up with fluid again. Increased meds to max dosage. Still getting worse after med increase. Continually collapsing and having seizures. Made tough decision to say goodbye on Sept 7th. Will spoil her until then. I don’t want her to continue to suffer and get even worse. Not an easy decision for me. Thank you for reaching out and following up with me. That means a lot to me.

[@precisionbrown6829]

I’m going through this with my Jack Russell. He’s been on Vetmedin and enalapril and doing well except for the panting. She sleeps well at night. Mornings are a little rough. She’s just so active and I want her to enjoy being a dog 💓

[@IsaacMorales12]

My 15 year old Cocker Spaniel passed away today because of this. im so sad he was an amazing dog rest in peace BUDDY

[@DrLera]

So sorry to hear about that. Rest in peace ‘Buddy’. Sending you virtual hugs from all of our family

[@fshajeee7485]

Sorry for your loss how long did your dog live with CHF, my dog was diagnosed today

[@IsaacMorales12]

@@fshajeee7485 i dont know how long he had it for maybe a 5months- 1year but ill tell you symptoms he may have a problem, lack of interest (like not chasing a ball or barking or daily dog things) or loss of apetite

[@IsaacMorales12]

@@fshajeee7485 we found out he had it 3 days before his death in the Vet. Its best not to take him out in runs or have him do crazy exercise and stuff but just cherish him, be there for him, and take him out for walks. Worst thing happened to me was i came home and he lied on the floor eyes open i knew it was his time, love them while they are here :)

[@prarthanachandran4642]

Oh gosh I am so sad reading this. My Cockapoo is going to be 14 years in a few weeks and he’s had a cough for over a year now but I never knew what it was. If you put a bit of pressure on his back or rib cage he will cough, and now I think it’s enlarged heart. He doesn’t chase a ball anymore. Still likes walks sometimes but I’m so sad of him dying and especially him dying in pain

[@theozarksjourneytoself-suf5420]

My 13 year old Chihuahua went into ACUTE heart failure, OVERNIGHT. Before last night, I saw NO symptoms... he did cough occasionally.... but last night, he began having labored breathing, and his tongue is a purplish color.... he will just go down if he tries any activity.... I rushed him to our local vet this morning.... they could only get one xray, but it showed an enlarged heart and fluid in the lungs. They gave him a shot of lasix, but now it's afternoon, It's been about 5 hours... and I don't see any improvement. Yesterday, this little boy was running down to the barn with me, and barking his head off... today, he can't even bark OR cough. The vet didn't know much about what's going on... I have been through this with another dog years ago, so I asked for some lasix.... which he gave. I have meds from my previous dog including Vetmedn, and Enalapril, along with Lasix pills that I can give him. The vet won't get back with me to let me know if he thinks this is a good idea, but honestly, I doubt he deals much with this sort of thing... this is a very small town. I can't imagine how this happened so quick... and what I'm wondering is... could there be something else that could cause this type of ACUTE heart failure, and is there any hope of reversing it?

[@jennyo3662]

A question I have is... my Chi Pablo has been having the coughing attacks, fainting spells from lack of oxygen and is on three medications 2 times a day.... after his medication were increased a couple months ago... at first seemed to really be helping... then he began coughing a lot all the time.... all of a sudden the other day, he is now strangely not coughing at all... but seems tense and doesn't want to lay down... sleeps with his head up and mouth slightly open.... how will I know when it may be time to help him cross over before he is suffering too much 😔

[@tammytipton4669]

My Yorkie is such a picky eater. She gets her meds put into a very small piece of ground sirloin but will not eat dry kibble. She has tried Royal Canin for Renal support but hates it. Any better ideas for dry kibble? Thanks

[@razanbshara2385]

My dog is almost 16 year shih tzu. Last week he has syncope twice on Monday. We found out he got murmur. On T night and W morning he had 3 more. His vet said it could be related congestive heart failure. His lungs were clear . Next day F he got 5 episodes of syncopes or strokes or heart attacks plus coughing before each . His lungs started getting fluids buildup. With lasix his cough was gone and episodes stops. He is on BP meds and blood thinners since last M. He is good. Not sure if he will live long . Waiting for his Ecco test.

[@youngreeper1439]

My dog just got diagnosed with congestive heart failure as well. I knew he was getting old(15 yrs) but suspected something was wrong when he started loosing a significant amount of weight and passing out randomly, took him to the vet and they ran several test and he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and a pretty bad heart murmur. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do when things like this happen except comfort your dog as much as possible, as they will more than likely be taking medication for the duration of their life i kinda feel bad for him because the medication causes him to have diarrhea and loss of appetite, on top of him being a really picky eater so theres days where he simply wont eat witch further adds to his weight loss.

[@chachibus]

My 14 year old Pomeranian was just diagnosed with an enlarged heart and was told he was in the early stages of congestive heart failure. We were also prescribed medications to help prolong his life. Other than the cough, he acts like his normally little puppy dog self. With small dogs with this diagnosis, what is the average life expectancy for these little guys?

[@jdenino6022]

My 13 y.o. dog has (breast) cancer but also has valve disease and this breathing issue just popped up over the last day. Bringing her to the vet in the morning. I don't think I'll get another dog after this. this is the 2nd dog who has had CHF. It's a horrible way to go for these poor dogs.

[@subakumar9138]

My 13 year old beloved dog Jimmy died on December 30 2020. He had heart murmur diagnosed 4 years ago, started medication Cardisure and Frusemide in 2019. Also medication for seizures Phenomav since 8 years. He developed coughs 4, 5 months ago and was put on nuelin tablets too. On that day after dinner around 5pm he started coughing but normally his cough stops after a while. But that day he coughed continuously and when the cough stopped started panting. So we took him to the emergency hospital around 8.30pm the vet immediately took him to the treatment room and gave him a needle on the report said mild sedation to calm him but he had seizure and his heart stopped then they performed CPR and he came back to live but was struggling to breath the vet said he needed oxygen but to give the mask need to sedate him again but there was a risk he might get heart attack again and die. But tried putting him in an oxygen box first but he was suffocating in that box. When the vet gave a second needle to sedate him his heart stopped and couldn't revive him. My precious boy died on the table. It has been more than a month and I am still grieving with guilt with so many unanswered questions. Like if I had taken him immediately to the regular vet would he have survived? The emergency vet did everything correct to save his life. In his medical report the vet said he had dyspnea.

[@Spgal]

😥this is heart wrenching. I'm so sorry for your loss. 🙏

[@subakumar9138]

@@Spgal Thank you very much

[@dreamsland16]

I am so sorry you had to experience this! I wish you relief from the grief and to forgive yourself and the others involved. Whatever happened your love for your furry friend is all that matters.

[@subakumar9138]

@@dreamsland16 Thank you so much for your kind comment. It's been 16 months since his passing. Life goes on but not a day goes by without his sweet memories.

[@TapIntoAlignment]

Two Pomeranians different ages, different litters same food… Vet told us it was because we fed them grain-free. Both dogs were diagnosed with this horrific disease …if we only knew. One has passed the other is in her last days… it’s torture 😢

[@Gogglelog]

My dog has been diagnosed With an inflamed Heart the vet X-ray and scan Shown the heart was pushing on The wind pipe She's on medication But doesn't seem to be getting any better with coffin and gagging She's a medium sized terrier age 9 I was thinking about giving a oxygen To help when she's struggling With her breathing , But don't know what to do for the best As the vet says there's not a lot they can do For her condition

[@gracie1901]

We have an approx. 12-13 year old Carolina dog. He's a rescue and had a history of heart worms when he was a pup. He's in fantastic shape, especially for his age. Very active, too. Recently he started doing this thing where he retches before a single cough. It almost sounds like he's winding up before the cough. Kind of a hacking sound. Vet can't figure out what it is. I'm starting to wonder if those couple years of neglect he went through damaged his heart (along with aging in general) Thank you for this informative video!

[@precisionbrown6829]

Get a heart lung and throat X-ray and tell them his symptom’s. I took a video that’s a good idea for you

[@boscoitalics]

my chiuaha cross is 11 yrs old. he started to cough/ gag during the day..its less during the day now and mostly at night. he still coughs/hacks during the day but not as much as night time. how is Harvey now? He is adorable.

[@michellereitan1347]

My 11 year old Boston was diagnosed today. Her heart is enlarged and she has a lot of fluid. He said she wouldn't be here in 5 yrs.

[@SanalYaziEvi]

Hi this is exactly what our Papillion has. The x-rays are exactly the same and the vet has said that this is the problem. I was concerned about carrying him because he can’t walk for too long. And to go outside he has to go down a whole flight of stairs about 75 steps and he has to climb them back up again. So we carry him. Is there a way you suggest we hold him when carrying him thank you

[@heiditraveladvisor]

My 15.5 year old JRT has this, she was diagnosed with a heart murmur 4 years ago and now it is level 5 at her July appointment. I bet it is higher now. she also has fainted a few times, and she pants for no reason. she is now coughing much more than before and sounds wheezie. Trying to figure out if she still has more quality of life, than not and I feel she does but it is going down hill, so not sure how long it will remain, thanks for the video, I learned alot.

[@DrLera]

Hi Heidi, sorry to hear about your dog's condition. We hope that whichever decision you take is for the better. Best wishes & thank you for finding this video helpful.

[@denisesheehan9189]

Does medication extend their life and make them more comfortable?

[@SuperSkellator]

Is there no operation that can be done? If no, why not? Our little Duke just turned 10 and has this heart issue. We want to save him!

[@maggiezamora6101]

Ur video was helpful thanks. My dog has this problem with all the symptoms u mentioned. When she coughs blood comes out of her nose n a hard time breathing. Can u tell me what that means? She’s taking two meds.

[@DrLera]

Blood coming out of the nose could be a number of things like periodontal disease or a nasal tumor, infecrion

[@edrage8679]

My dog has it time to time like he has something stuck on the throat but nothing comes out. But it is in some points during the day. Some days he doesn't have that cough at all. It is not like a continuous coughing. The vet medicated it for heart desease but i want to hear another point of view.

[@captaincruise_eq.8652]

Recently diagnosed, so if the dog is having trouble at night how can you help them?

[@KathleenLee-w8e]

Help! My 13 year old, 14 lb. Schnauzer started with a non productive cough and syncope 2 to 3 times a day. On the second day we took her to the vet. X-ray showed an enlarged heart, 4 heart murmur, no fluid in lungs. Started her on Lasix, and a B/P pill. By the second night, no more syncope or coughing, eating and playing again. She said to start her on Vetmedin to be safe even though the other 2 pills worked so fast. What does her quality (time) of life look like? I *truly* appreciate any information you can give me.

[@georgecumming760]

My dog Cooper is 7 next month. He has been diagnosed as having a 15cm heart when 11cm is normal. He's a shih tzu. He stopped eating 2 days ago, has had very soft stools and has gone hiding under beds, bathroom sinks etc. Yesterday he vomited 4-5 times and had one coughing fit. He's been listless for an energetic dog. All this doesn't sound good and we are in Bahrain where vet equipment and their resources are not great. He's overnight with the vet surgery and as expected, we worried beyond belief. The vet says the outcome will be known in next 24-48 hours so does that mean if the situation doesn't change, he has 24-48 hours to live?

[@tyleryosef9862]

So should I avoid picking up my dog with this condition? Thank you.

[@DrLera]

Hi! There are ways to pick up your dog with this condition. We actually have a video on this called 'How To Pick Up a Dog with CHF' which might help you out.

[@master6435]

Just learned my dog has an enlarged heart the vet didn't act like it was not worried I brought him in because of his coughing which was bad since he was not eating (lost teeth but is eating now change to wet food) the vet gave him a pill not sure what it is and potassium twice a day I'm wondering I normal would take him on long walks a day in the past I'm just hoping I can still keep walking him twice a day

[@Adeniumlovers1333]

Did u asked vet that if it will affect life. I can feel my dogs heart beat is fast. And heavy. Even after giving medicine

[@master6435]

@Sheena Kataria idk I just finished the medication the vet gave me and he wants me to bring my dog back to check (Edit at the moment I'm just paying attention to the times he cough because there is a pattern of cough which is bad because it mean there is fluid in his lungs)

[@blissfuljoy6049]

Did you say you only did an x-ray before diagnosis? My vet is wanting to do x-ray and EKG and possibly echo before putting on meds.

[@thedot3814]

I think my dog just had a heart attack. She has CHF, and is on meds the last few months, today she feel over and got real stiff, peed and pooped and started to shack violently. lasted about 5 10 minutes. Now she is ok, but it was scarry.

[@LP-zs5tg]

Sounds like when my dog was having seizures

[@thedot3814]

@@LP-zs5tg Yep. I talked to the vet. Most likely I overdosed her. He send Seizures do the same thing, and I mistook it for a heart attack. They told me ,my brother let loses during his heart attack, so I went off that. My dog is doing much better, she is still dying, but I am keeping her as comfortable as possible.

[@kp-lb8eq]

Hi, my mini schnauzer has been having this horrible cough. It comes and goes and there are moments where she does the panting. Vet care is super expensive in my area and I’ve looked into other options as well like the county clinics but they tell me they don’t treat stuff like this, so I was wondering if there is anything you could suggest we do? Is there any thing maybe even herbs I can help her with? I k ow this isn’t curable but I just want her to be comfortable. She’s 13, about to turn 14 next month. Thank you!

[@loyalembisairem579]

Hello, my dog has been coughing badly since the last two months especially at night. I’m from North East India, lab equipments are hard to access here. There’s only one person who can do the ECG but he is out of town, won’t be back till 5 of next month. One vet said he has copd and right now i’m following his advice and he is on nebuliser and diuretics. He is having antibiotics also. What should i do? I feel like he has this heart issue. I’m helpless. I can’t wait for that another doctor so long. Please help.

[@ArAdiAzZz]

Hello, my dog's echo cardiography report showed the following: asymptomatic systolic dysfunction, initial DCM, moderate TR. A 5 year old American staff male 38kg. Our doctor thinks that we may have taurine deficiency and only makes us use cardiovet, a nutritional supplement. My question is, I didn't fully understand the seriousness of this results. Do you think using supplements is enough?

[@DrLera]

When we have the echocardiogram done at our office it is usually interpreted by a cardiologist. They usually put prognosis in the report. Also if I have questions I talk with cardiologist that wrote the report.

[@elisabethclancy9074]

My 8 year old Chihuahua Leia started to cough . I took her to the vet last week . They put her on antibiotics . Today she went back. They did a scan and said she had an enlarged heart . That I need to take her to a cardiologist for a EKG . It cost almost $1,000 . I’m 68 disabled on Social Security . She is my baby girl and all I have . She helps me control my panic attacks. What can I do for her ? I seen a video on You Tube saying Hawthorn Berry is good to give it helps the heart . Please will you help me help her ? She is the love of my life . I just can’t loose her . Please help ! May 7,2021

[@rosesmith6208]

my dog died yesterday from heart failure and I did not even know she had heart disease I was putting her down for cancer but she died over night from the failure, it was horrible to watch her suffering, I read that if it is the right side of the heart that is failing they get a pouch belly and less fluid in the lungs she never couged or spewed anything except saliva, she never coughed or whezzed or had the death rattle. she never had a sizured either, I seen a video fo a horse in heart failure and it did have a seizure. she panted areally loud, then woudl stop for a few seconds panted loud again for about 2 or 3 hours (this was during our black out due to severe storms yesterday)then she got really quiet and only a small rise and fall of her lower side breathing and she did that for about one hour and half. my question is how long was she aware of her pain and suffering before unconsiconess set it, it seem like she was stiff but would react when I touched her, her eyes moved a little but she never tried to raise her head, or move her limbs or push or anything. how far gone was she so that she was not suffering?

[@kayrecords]

I have a 3 year corgi and I've noticed that her resting Respiratory rate is in the 60s, even when she's sleeping. Now that I think about it she's always breathed like that since she was a puppy, I'm afraid she might have CHF and I'm worried about her prognosis. I'm scared that I didn't notice it and that we are too late for treatment. I'm going to make a vet appointment asap. I feel so guilty that I didn't notice all this time. I am crying as I am writing this. Am I too late?

[@petersalem5510]

What happened :( ?

[@momo23461]

I hope everything went okay 💖💖

[@Solidrock-jq6rp]

My 12 year old poodle has just been diagnosed with both anal gland cancerous tumor & enlarged heart. Wanted to have the gland removed but now I’m wondering about putting him through all the pain of surgery, especially with his heart condition. He still takes his walks & eats & drinks but is coughing a lot. How long could he live without a lot of pain if we do surgery for anal gland? He has been our sweetest fur baby yet & doesn’t want us out of his sight. Spends most of his time in our laps. We were shocked about his diagnosis as my last poodles were 14 & 17 when they passed & Noah has been so healthy & full of life. Not ready to part with him but do not want his last days full of pain. He has been to good a boy for that.

[@nicolefaulkner645]

Thanks for all the info. Both my smaller dogs have it and I’ve read stuff that link it to grain free diets. I’m not sure if that’s accurate but is there a specific diet you should feed a dog with heart disease?

[@precisionbrown6829]

Its actually caused, not 100% but overbreeding is getting to be a big problem 💔

[@sriram97]

My dog (25kg mutt) has stage 2 kidney failure (hiss creatine and BUN are under control now) and is 12 years old, the vet said that the heart valves have become weaker and is a irreversible damage. he has give me some supplements for heart called VenCard which contains 0.9 mg of magnesium as it's oxide in it i give 2 tablets per day (1-0-1). When he sleeps i do see irregular heart beat and heavy breathing in him. Anything i could do to help his situation ?

[@nikiee7762]

So my vet today used a stethoscope and diagnosed my Morkie. He will see a specialist 9 May. My question is, does he need an xray to confirm this? Instead of just a stethoscope? I am shattered he is only 6.5😢

[@lipevet]

Awesome, thanks!

[@DrLera]

Our pleasure!

[@davidpierce5622]

Not sure what is wrong with my best buddy frog but breathing fast at rest and consumes lots of water and vomiting thick white foam am very worried but also I'm unable to work and with out an income at the moment when I need the money more than ever he is a wonderful friend and worries me i might lose my best friend

[@ellebelle6439]

My dog 10 yr old toy poodle was coughing nonstop and vets said he was getting worse because his heart was pushing against his wind pipe but now he isn't coughing at all suddenly. I'm wondering what this means? Is this a red flag? I thought he'd still be coughing a lot. He's been on meds for 2 years now and increased dosage 6 months ago. He was still coughing nonstop up until recently. Thanks.

[@carinemarshall3039]

Hii I have a rough collie that is 13 years old. He has been diagnosed with cognitive heart failure. He is on Fortekor and forosmide. But he is still battling

[@letishapaez6721]

My bull terrier has a heart enlargement and he’s only 5 years old. He’s on 3 medications 💔🙏🏼😢 I don’t know what else to do he seems to be getting week 💔

[@pcharl01]

I'm sorry to hear about your dog.

[@Mythics1]

I’m sorry to hear about your dog too. My chihuahua is coughing about 8 times a day and is on Lasix and Vetmedin. He has congestive heart failure and it’s really tough watching him get worse. I wish you all the best Letisha.

[@JJ-sh8ji]

@@Mythics1 Hi, You can give Q10, dandelion root caps,

[@annamariebarilla1890]

I’m so sorry ❤️😭

[@katharynlamb8052]

My 10 Yr old pomeranian was diagnosed with CHF 1 year ago. and now he's coughing and gagging more and more, panting too. He sometimes throws up white stuff. He's had his dosage adjusted b4. Does I have to put him down cos of this. His coughing isn't getting better. He's eating and drinking fine.

[@serinezhang9701]

I wish I had watched this video sooner. My poor 17 year old was rushed to er and just being diagnosed with CHF there. She's at the pretty late stage. I have reported her coughing when being picked up, but none of her previous vets took it seriously and even said her heart was still sound good 3 months ago.

[@DrLera]

So sorry for your loss. We know how difficult it is when the people you seek for help are the ones who neglect you. That is why we always recommend getting second & third opinions to get a better and more accurate diagnosis. We're sending you virtual hugs from over here.

[@vikingdogmanship]

@@DrLera my cavalier has a heart that cover all 8 ribs... and it's makes it difficult to breath. we were at a vet check in may, and they did not take it seriously enough... yeaturday we got bad news and got told that we should put him down so he wont suffer. I know i have to make that desicion today... I just cant believe we did not know this sooner... 😢

[@BLR1GBattlemaster]

Just wondering, we're fostering a very old terrier mix that has pretty bad CHF. I feel like it's just better to put this poor lass down. She has good days, and bad days. But, even the good days end up being hard on her. I think most people just wait until their pet passes, but I feel like it's probably better to put them down. I knew a large man who had CHF, and even just sitting at his desk at work, he was breathing and panting like how I do when I'm running hard up hills. He was fairly miserable. Will vet put down dogs with progressive CHF? Or does it have to be near end-stage?

[@DrLera]

It is every vets own decision, but if you day that there is no quality of life and the physical agrees with that then i can see them moving forward.

[@lyanimoody6554]

Our dog has pulmonary hypertension and enlarged heart and is 8 yrs old we got him two months ago his previous owner lied and said he was in good health and he wasn't. We have him on sildenafil that's what the cardiologist gave him. But he's having an allergic reaction to it. How long can a dog live if there not on medication for what our dog has and is he suffering if he isn't on sildenafil?

[@dopethadon]

My dog doesn’t pant or cough but he has trouble breathing while sleeping and grunts when I pick him up. He still plays with me and runs around in my room. He is eating and drinking well and is using the restroom well as well. I’m still worried that it could be CHF but I can’t find a affordable vet in the Los Angeles area. If anyone can help me with a good affordable vet I would appreciate it.

[@heartsXkisses24]

Back in sept 2020, my 7 year old chihuahua was coughing. The vet performed an xray and told me that he has bronchitis and that he MAY have an enlarged heart. but she's not sure because, admittedly, he's kind of fat and she told me he was at an awkward angle. His cough went away after about a week and a half with meds. Fast forward to two weeks ago he coughed a couple of times when I got home from work, but hasn't coughed since. Gearing him cough reminded me that he may have an enlarged heart. I was wondering if I should get a second opinion or wait for the 6th month appointment, which she made for next month?

[@shiroxiaomi4752]

Thank you

[@HieuChiLe]

if I had given my dog vetmedin when he just started coughing 3 years ago (at first I thought it was kennel cough but when it lingered, I thought it was collapse trachea) and before he was diagnosed with CHF, would it had prolonged his life, and if so how many more months or years? I am told my dog has only a few months left to live. He was happy and walking 2 months ago and now he is extremely lethargic and doesn't really eat.

[@joyflood6038]

i would also appreciate an answer to this, my situation is similar. my 17 yo Maltese mix is panting constantly, not too hungry but ultimately eats her bfast and dinner (just much much slower than she use to), and coughing is persistent.

[@DrLera]

There's a consensus statement by the American college of veterinarian to the medicine that says that if you detect heart disease early enough and you start them on a medication called vetmedin then that is supposed to extend the lifespan by about a year and a half more than it would have been if the medication was not administered

[@DrLera]

There's a consensus statement by the American college of veterinarian to the medicine that says that if you detect heart disease early enough and you start them on a medication called vetmedin then that is supposed to extend the lifespan by about a year and a half more than it would have been if the medication was not administered

[@pennyusa8514]

We just found out our 8 year old English Setter has a enlarged heart she's still active when she is outside I watched numerous videos about maybe switching her diet would help the vet sent home medicine for Ellie she doesn't look bad like some dog's just curious if there's more that I can do?

[@monseaidee28]

My 11 (almost 12 yo) chi-pom got diagnosed with CHF in July of 2020. She’s currently on Vetmedin and Lasix. We also got told Salix is the same thing as Lasix? Is that true? The place I order her medicines from was out of Lasix, but said Salix was the same thing?

[@DrLera]

Yes salix is just a different brand of furosemide

[@suzannemistretta9275]

my dog is going through now. Hes on Vetmedin and last week kept coughing at night. I took him to the ER vet and they said he has an enlarged heart and that its pressing on his windpipe. Hes home now but may need lasix soon.

[@mychills123]

Hello can you tell me why my vet put down congestive heart failure in my 1 year old pup without doing any x rays and the heart and lungs were normal two weeks prior, I had taken my dog to the vets 3 times over him breathing fast over 46bpm while resting increasing sometimes to 66, all 3 vets seemed unconcerned, my pup was put to sleep just 2 weeks after we were told his heart and lungs were fine do you know what else may have caused this. Temp fine

[@DrLera]

Unfortunately I don't have an answer for that. I am sorry to hear about your puppy.

[@oneANGRYelf]

So once they are in late stages, is it normal for the respiratory rate to be increased the majority of the time? And if so, how high is too high in which we should seem advanced medical aid?