"where does my little chi stand?

Question

I have a little chi dog, and she has a heart problem. Lately, she has been coughing alot more and seems a little more tired than usual. I give her lasik, and cough medicine that help with the cough and keep the fluid buildup down. Now, she has not lost her sense of smell. She still has a voracious appetite. She runs down the stairs to see me 8 out of 10 times with her tail wagging, albeit...she is coughing. there are times when she is relaxed and walks around and does not cough. I know she has slowed down a bit the last month. But i do not think she is suffering. She still tells me when she wants to go out to use the bathroom. She barks and chases birds out of the yard, etc..(when i let her). When is it time? What real signs will tell me? I know she is not as comfortable as she wishes to be, but i do not think it's so uncomfortable just yet, that it warrants putting her to sleep. I am taking her to see her vet for a blood pressure test on tuesday. Any advice? Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Good move to take her to the vet. I think you should bring all this up with the vet, they'll be able to answer all these questions. To be honest i dont think it's time to put her down, the reason why she's probably tired is because of how much she's coughing... If you keep coughing wouldn't that take alot of energy out of you?
Find out if there's any other way to surpress the symptoms and she may be happier and less tired.

Answer 2

Lets get honest here..... In 43 years of training, I have had times when I could feel my Ki, and others when /i could not. I did not feel my Ki until I had trained for many years. Some times others would remark that they felt something very strange and powerful in my technique. Bottom line here is that you may or may not ever feel your Chi, Ki, ..... If your instructor is a good one, and you truly try to do what he is teaching, you stand a good chance of getting to where you feel it at times. Understand that it is not only what you do, it is how you do it, how you breath, and what mental state you are in. If you don;t have everything right, it simply does not work. I've only met one or two people that can uses their Ki when ever they want to (100% of the time). At this point, I must tell you that if you are asked if you feel the Chi/Ki,..... tell the truth. The instructor can only guide you if you tell him the truth. If you don't, you are being dishonest to him and yourself. It will hinder your learning and progress. If you simply don't believe that Ki is real, then you have an even bigger problem. Best to talk to your instructor and sort out your feelings, beliefs, etc. Otherwise you are simply going through the motions. No martial art works by simply mimicking moves and copying what everyone else is doing..... Best of Luck! ...

Answer 3

My dachshund passed away Sept. 30th of congestive heart failure. He panted a lot more than usual for a couple of days in a row just before he passed. I don't know why I didn't think of his heart. He was overweight and I thought he was just hotter than my other dachsie b/c of his weight. He also coughed, but he had coughed ever since I found him at the age of about five. He had a near deadly bout of heartworms that I was able to save him from, but ever after he had heart and lung damage.

I would say if she is still enjoying life and does not seem to be in pain or serious distress, then enjoy eachother. But if you notice an excessive and increased cough and heavier breathing when sleeping and panting more than usual, it's time.

I wish I had taken my baby to the vet and had him put to sleep a when those symptoms started... I waited too long and he suffered a massive heart attack. I took him to the emergency vet while his lungs were filling with blood. It was a terrible thing to see him go through.

Although, there are people who have suffered from the same type of things and been brought back by heroic measures, and they did not remember much after the initial pain due to lack of oxygen getting to the brain. I would like to think that my baby Hudson didn't know he was suffering as I saw him suffering. Although I know he did for a few days before his massive attack.

I hope you have more time with your sweetie; but certainly, speak with the vet and tell him or her of your concerns. They should be able to help you determine whether it is time or not.
Hugs!!! Lots of hugs to you both!!!

Answer 4

Let your vet know she is still coughing. Often the medication doses have to be adjusted. Is she on enalapril or pimomenden for heart disease as well? They help the heart work better than just lasix alone. Eventually her heart will not be able to handle taking care of her body anymore and she will have much trouble breathing and will be very uncomfortable. At this point, if medication no longer helps, it will be time to let her go. Talk to your vet to get additional info.

Answer 5

When her quality of life deteriorates to the point where she gets very little enjoyment, you will know. Do self evaluations of her once or twice a week. Do them honestly, ask yourself how her appetite is, her energy level, does she seem to be listless/lethargic or is she in pain. When the answer to any of those questions or a combination of those questions is yes then it will be time. I'm sorry you are going through this with her. Hang in there and enjoy the time you guys have left.

Answer 6

Does any1 smoke in the house??

they can get lung or nasel cancer.

that could be a problem as well

just keep taking her to the vet and if he isnt helping get a new vet!

Answer 7

I really feel for you. If you trust your vet see what they have to say. I know my former dog's vet would probly be discussing transplant surgery if there is any. Let her be free and do all her things and when the time comes she will be called up to that special place. (((((hugs))))judy

Answer 8

Probably your vet will readjust her medications so that she is feeling more comfortable