Congestive Heart Failure in my Chihuahua - VETS AND VET TECHS PLEASE HELP?

Question

I just want to know how long we may have left - my chihuahua Emmy has a severe enlarged heart, pulmonary edema, coughing, collapsing. She can only eat a little at a time and has to take breaths in between.

Vet has her on Lotomil and Vetmedin, but not seeing a big improvment. ANy suggestions on any drugs that may help?

Tell it to me straight, how long do you think she may have?

Thanks Ginberry - You helped a lot - I should know no one can tell me how long I have I am just so upset! Shes my baby!

Answer 1

Every case is different. The drugs you mention are the ones that she should be on. Eating will become more difficult, sleeping will become a challenge as she struggles with coughing and breathing.

The best you can do is keep her as comfortable as possible, keep her stress level low, reduce her exercise and follow your veterinarian's advice.

There is no way to determine how long you have left with her. Even your vet, who has seen the xrays, can only give you a rough estimate. But, the only person who is capable of giving you that rough estimate is the vet that has seen her and her work-ups. If you call and be forthright with your vet, they will give you their best opinion.

This is a hard thing to go through, but she's had a good life with you - make her last bit of time a happy one for you both and live content with good memories.

Wishing you much luck,
Ginberry

Answer 2

I am not familiar with Lomotil. Right now, specialists in Canada are using what we call '' trithérapie'' in french. They use 1- Vetmedin which is the newest, most effective drug 2- Enalapril OR Fortekor and 3- Lasix (furosemide). If your pet is as bad as it sounds, it may need to be in an ICU with oxygen. If he doesn't respond within a day or two.... you may have to make a difficult decision. If he does respond, the prognosis is stil very guarded. He may live a few weeks to a few month. Sorry for the bad news....

Answer 3

That is a rare and quality call for a medicine. Truth is that you
need to take the dog off the medicine and take it running. A
congestive dog will feel that much better even if it is domed. A
good half hour run will help. I have treated 2 chihuahua dogs
and referred maybe 15 more with this idea. Both factors are
clear, if your vet has given you the right dosages, that is to let
the dog recoup. I know I'm not your vet, yet results is important. A chihuahua is a very old species, and does have a
nice constitution, if you like look into a very well trained kennel.
Having the chihuahua happened in my referrals 5 times as a
exercise buddy in the all day caged kennel, 30 yards square.
With your personal attention and attendance with a well chosen exercise buddy say a collee, a beagle, or a quality breed
you have a solid chance. Blessings for the pet. here is some
news for a good exercise buddy. http://www.worldkennelclub.com http://www.dog-breed-facts.com

Answer 4

These drugs are not familiar to me, we usually use Furosemide to reduce fluid, and Enalapril . As far as how long she has, well that's hard to say. But from your discription of her "episodes" it sounds like her time is limited. Enjoy every day with her! Your in my thoughts.