Over the holidays, my collie (age 10-12 possibly) began having some problems breathing. She is still eating great, as active as a senior dog with arthritis can be and is still going to the bathroom fine. I took her to the vets where they ran several blood tests and took x-rays of her lungs and heart. Her liver and kidneys are working well and her heartbeat was steady and strong, but the x-rays showed some fluid in her lungs and a slightly rounded (enlarged) heart. They gave her Lasix to reduce the fluid retention and sent the x-rays to Ohio State veterinary hospital. The Lasix is working, but after not taking it for a few days has labored breathing again. While I am still waiting on the results, I was wondering besides heart disease, could anything else cause this? Also, she is now on an all natural, corn and wheat free diet as well as eating plain, unsweetened yogurt with flax seed oil and a good probiotic but is their anything else I could give her to help make her stronger.
2007-01-05 16:43:58 · 5 answers · asked by alapinklady 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
That is a good diet you have chosen for her. Make sure she has plenty of water.
A slightly rounded (enlarged) heart) can be caused by "Valvular defects, tumors, heartworms, heart beat abnormalities, and damaged to the muscle itself" It tends to occur in older large breed dogs.
The Lasix should continue for as long as the Vet recommends. As for the yogurt, not too much. In general the recommendation is no more than around a tablespoon full per day. Some folks give yogurt as a treat every couple of days.
"Some veterinarians administer coenzymeQ (30mg tid) because of its beneficial effects in people with dilated cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)"
Note: tid = three times a day
The only other thing I can think of is to give her a lot of love and attention. A happier dog is a stronger dog. Good luck
2007-01-05 17:25:14 · answer #1 · answered by Seikilos 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Heartworms can cause an enlarged heart as well as Congestive Heart Failure (which would explain the fluid in the lungs).. have you had your dog on HW preventitive or has he been tested??
2007-01-05 16:49:32 · answer #2 · answered by doodlebugmeem 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
more lasix? sounds like she should stay on the diuretic... you just keep up what you are doing now , sounds great. maybe the pro-biotics and and good diet could be started from the beginning (next time:)) and try "enzymes" they help break down food for better absorption... your a good momma.:)
2007-01-05 16:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by sillygoose 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it may be pnemonia, or however you spell it
the symptoms are like pnemonia
2007-01-05 16:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by Distraction 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
put her out of her misery
2007-01-05 16:58:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋