The gurgling is caused by fluid collecting in your mother's lung and probably a sign of worsening heart failure. She may require more furosemide but you should check with her doctor, before giving it. He may have other ideas or want to check her serum electrolytes before proceeding.
What you heard is not the "death rattle". That sound is more like a gurgling sound in the throat.
Hi I checked back here to see how your mom is, glad its OK
I know what you mean about feeling alone. I'm happy I could help, if only for a moment
Thank you so much for responding, yes I did call the Dr and all is okay. I found this site and the Dr. wasn't in and the on-call Dr said they didn't know my mother well enough to hazard a guess. But the Dr is back and said that this may happen from time to time and not to worry unless it persists. I can't thank you enough for responding though, a person feels a bit alone at times like this.
It could definitely be something beside a "death rattle"
Why don't you cal;l the dr?
Have you, how did it turn out?