Enlarged hearts

[hannahj]

I have just had my nearly 13 yr old lab at the vets today for tests as she has had a cough and racing heart. The outcome is that she has got an enlarged heart, and fluid on the lungs. We have been given Vetmedin for her heart to try and steady it and regulate it, and diuretics for her lungs. We are going back to the vet in 10days, but he wasn't overly encouiaging. I wouldn't want her to suffer.

Has anyone had experience of this before?

[barefoot]

Hi there, sorry to hear about your dog
Years ago my labx had an enlarged heart, she was about 8 or 9 at the time and things looked very bad for her, she went onto meds and antibiotics and went back to be re x-rayed, checked. She had gone completely back to normal and went on med free after a second opinion 4mths on. Cassie lived a very active4 or so more years.
I now breed pure labs they are fantastic dogs, 13 is a good age. There is not much you can do except follow your vets advice and hope she will come through- if it is her time, think of the wonderful long life she has had with you. Wish you and your girl all the best xx

[ckc]

I think it is quite common in old dogs & humans for that matter. We have a 16yr old Jack Russell who has a certain degree of heart problems but at the moment doing well. It's difficult knowing how a old dog is feeling, but we hope our instincts will tell us when our old girl has had enough!

[alys]

Had a Dobe many years ago with heart problem, he was 11 a very good age ,for a Dobie. With medication he lived 6months very happily, we went for a long walk one day ,he had a huge dinner and curled up in his bed that night and didnt wake up.The best possible outcome for him. You can only do your best and remember dogs dont worry about the future,they live for today,so make every today his and your best.
Thinking of you, good luck Alys

[hannahj]

Thanks everyone. She has perked up lots today, so fingers crossed. Alys - you are the second person that has told me that today. I hope she goes like that, so she is in control of the situation. I wouldn't want to have to make the decision unless I REALLY have to.

[dazycutter]

oh bless Hannahj... sounds like she has old age doggy heart.. they get enlarged as they are trying to work harder due basically what is congestive heart failure... ... she may go on for a long time yet depending on the severity of it...

keep the meds up, keep her comfortable and when the time is right, you will know...

she is an old lady and it sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing.... keep us posted.

[hannahj]

I am so sad to tell you, that I had Sophie PTS last week, just days after I posted about her on here.

She was really struggling, particularly at night time. Her breathing was very laboured, and her heartbeat was SO fast, that she was exhausted. The meds didn't even start to kick in after 4 days. The thing that tipped me over the edge with it all, was that she went off her food. I tried alsorts of different foods, but she wouldn't have anything!

We took her to the vet, who said the prognosis wasn't good, so we made the decision.

R.I.P little Soph. We miss you dearly! Especially your snoring! x

[suzee]

Dear old love,she had a wonderfull life and was obviously very much loved.

[langley]

So sad, very sorry

[alys]

So sorry to hear of your loss.
Besr wishes Alys

[dazycutter]

that is really sad... so sorry and RIP Sophie..XX

[brindlerainbow]

RIP, you made the right decision