CHF breathing - what is normal now?

[texspot92]

My 10y 9m old MIni Schnauzer was diagnosed with CHF, leaky valve and enlarged heart on Christmas Eve when I took her to ER clinic due to labored breathing.  She was put on Lasix and Enalapril.  Just moved here, and went immediately to a new vet when the Holiday was over.  She switched her from Enalapril to Benazepril, and continued the Lasix.  Have been back a couple of times, and I keep asking if there's anything that can help her breathe better.  She does not cough yet, but breathing is relatively rapid, and sometimes with some effort.  Not panting, or open mouthed, just rapid and heavier than a normal dog.  I know that the enlarged heart will affect her breathing, but I just wonder if there isn't some other med that might help ease that.  She eats fine (strictly raw diet since 8wks old), is well hydrated and still likes to go on walks and ride in the car.  But when she's at rest, I just bothers me so much to watch her breathe.  The vet says that the "new normal" for every dog's breathing is different with this condition.  But I would just like to know what some other peoples' experiences with their dog's breathing with this condition have been.  Thanks for any input!!

[texspot92]

Jerry, I'm sorry that you have to deal with heart problems.  I know it must be very difficult.  I only wish my dog could talk to me so that I would know if she is in great discomfort or not.  
There are canine cardiologists; however, being unemployed for a year now in this economy, that option is unfortunately cost prohibitive.  I know that they actually DO perform mitral valve correction on dogs as well, but you can guess what the financial ramifications of that are!
I hope you're doing well, and experience good health going forward!

[Jerry_NJ]

I have no experience with CHF in dogs, or if I did I didn't know what it was... but as a human suffering with heart problems I can say the symptoms sound like "normal" and will likely be the cause of death if not "put down".  Not trying to be bad news, but add that CHF means heavier breathing is needed to supply needed oxygen to the blood.  

The only thing I know of in the case of humans is use of supplemental oxygen, see it often in older people, not me yet.

I know there are Veterinarians who specialize in cardiology, a friends daughter went from vet school into a residence in cardiology, just like MDs do.  I'll guess that is a high cost (as is the case of MD Specialist) option and I doubt there is anything that can be done...could be wrong it may be possible to repair the heart valve, say.  I have a repaired mitral heart valve myself.