Heart condition

[Bardie24]

Hi my dog has been on heart meds for months for type 4 heart failure today he has took I'll very lethargic and been back to vets she said no change in heart and breathing was fine and took bloods to test kidneys etc everything ok tonite there is no change and is struggling getting up panting etc and just lying in floor with limited movement

[aanderson617]

I know this is way later than all of the other posts.  But I am hoping this will hope some dog owners out there.  I took my 12 year old Shih Tzu to the vet right after Christmas because she tore a tendon in her knee.  She wasn't in big pain just limping.  The doctor explained the options and we left with METACAM.  I gave her one dose before bed. At about 6 in the morning my husband took her outside and she passed out.  He brought her in and swore she had died and came back.  Then throughout the day she had labored breathing and coughing.  Neither of these were normal for her.  She was in great health, just a bummed leg.  I call the vet and of course it was New years day.  They said to bring her in the next morning.  I should have took her in that day, but dedided to wait it thru.  A few more times she had seizures which later I learned she was passing out not seizures.  She would yelp then go limp for about 5 seconds and wake up but be very confused for about 5 minutes afterwards.  Her heart would race very loudly.  Needless to say I brought her in first thing when the vet opened.  She xrayed & did an sonogram and found she had an enlarged heart, murmer due to a valve not working right.  Her lungs were due to water backing up.  This is also what make her pass out from not enough oxygen and caugh.  We realized that every time she'd pass out it was outside where it was cold and windy or when she was trying to lay down.  That's when she'd have the hardest time breathing.  They gave her a duretic and a heart med.  That night was the worst, I could hear her heart beat across the bed, very scary.  But no more passing out or coughing, the diretic worked very fast.  The next day was great and every day thereafter.  I keep her on the med and now make her food to limit her sodium.  We thru out the dog treats and give her carrots and peppers that she loves.  She eats now more than ever.  She is much more lethargic than she was and we carry her up and down stairs mainly because were nervous about her leg injury coming back.  But I firmly believe that this all happened because of the METACAM.  Please stay away from this stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bazingala]

Thank you!

Giro and Sally are so beautiful!  You are absolutely right!  BB's photos are so adorable.  Hamming for the camera with perfect poses! :)  I love them all! :)  I love looking at photos!

I have added some more of Mylo which a couple are recent.  

http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/list/5903425

~Laurie

[tonyb286]

What a beautiful hound Mylo is. That's a great picture. Now Giro and Sally are not good for taking photos ... they just can't keep still long enough. My old girl BB that passed was the absolute reverse. As soon as I got the camera out she was like a professional model and would instantly sit or lie down, lift her head a little and give a half smile. She was amazing. Luckily this resulted in many great photos, now useful to me for reminding me how extraordinary she was.

While you can't put photos on (like FaceBook), you can add photos to your profile. Mine are here: http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/list/1916673?personal_page_id=2440531

Tony x

[Bazingala]

Tony,

I am so sorry to hear :(.  My thoughts and prayers with you and your MedHelp friends.  

I belong to the Dachshund Rescue of South Florida.  They do wonderful work rescuing doxies and finding foster homes and forever homes.  They rescue Dachshunds from kill shelters, help with their healthcare, raise funds for IVDD surgeries, etc.  I read all the stories of the Dachshunds and they keep you posted of their progress.  When I hear that one of them passes, I am in tears.

I actually entered Mylo in their 2014 calendar contest!  I know you can't post pics on here, but here is the link so you can see what my little guy looks like.  This photo was from last year's Steeler season (before he was diagnosed with CHF).  I thought maybe he might brighten your day a bit.

If you copy and paste the following in your URL, you can see my little sunshine!

http://www.e-junkie.com/DRSF-2014CalendarContest/product/490762.php

I hope your day is going a bit better for you today.

~ Laurie

[tonyb286]

You are very welcome Laurie. The sad news I had was about a couple of dogs and their owners that I had been trying to offer support to ... though from different parts of the world, both dogs passed away last night, which saddened me more than normally when I read the posts this morning. So it was good to read yours about Mylo - sometimes bad things are balanced by good things. Hoping you and Mylo have a great day. Love, Tony x

[Bazingala]

Hi Tony,

I am sorry to hear about the upsetting news from your MedHelp Friends :(  I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

I am glad to bring some good news. I truly hope this continues. He is a miracle dog.  I let him bark to his heart's content sometimes because it is truly music to my ears.  Just to watch him prance makes me belly laugh because I missed it so.  I am blessed with my little guy.  

I wanted to thank you again for always being there to listen to my sorrows.  Your knowledge and advice had helped me tremendously and gave me hope.  

Thanks again Tony

~Laurie

[tonyb286]

Hi Laurie. It's great to hear from you ... and the update has truly lifted my heart this day. I had some fairly upsetting news from my MedHelp friends this last couple of days, so to have good news is uplifting.

Well done to you - and well done Mylo. At the age he is, it is truly a wonder he got through the last episode, and that's down to you Laurie. You are doing so much for him. The tail-wag is certainly his way of saying Gee Mom, I love you ... life with you is great.

Keep up the good work. Give Mylo a huge hug from me. Tony x

[Bazingala]

Hi Tony,

I know it has been a while since I posted.  I am happy to say that Mylo is doing unbelievably well!  :)  

He has not had any rapid breathing, heart racing, coughing episodes in I can't tell you how long!.  I feel as though this is truly a miracle.  I do have him on his Vetmedin, Lasix, Enalapril and Denamarin every day.  I still syringe feed him the Hill's prescription food blended up in a blender with Pedialyte.  The only reason syringe feed it to him is because he absolutely despises the taste.  To tell you the truth, the smell alone is awful so I don't blame him one bit....lol.  I do this (as you know) so he gets his vitamins that he needs.  His appetite is back in full force and I now figured out that he can eat cooked chicken.  I get him the organic chicken filets and cook them for him and feed him in small portions.  He does also like low sodium chipped ham which I give him a wee bit for a treat.  I totally cut out on beef since I think that might have been causing him digestive issues. He still has some episodes of diarrhea, but they are not very often.  I wonder if his diet could have also contributed to his rapid breathing episodes since I cut out all beef?

I am thrilled to say that Mylo's bark is back in full force.  He barks at me while I am cooking his chicken as to say "hurry up"..lol  His tail is wagging again. He also trots around the house more than he was and still has a lot of spunk.  

He does walk a little slow at times but I am just so blessed that he is still here with me.  He does have some stiffness but  I have not gave him the metacam since he had that bad episode in August.  I just have the tramadol and only had to give it to him a couple of times.  He is no longer shivering (I think this was due to the back issue now).  

I just celebrated my birthday Saturday and Mylo staying stabilized is more than I can wish for.  The sound of his bark, wagging of his tail and prominent trot around the house just makes me so happy!

I truly am lucky to continue to have my best friend Mylo with me. Each and every day is a blessing with him :)

I just wanted to give you an update and thank you for all your helpful advice! :)

Thanks Tony.  Have a wonderful day!

~Laurie
  

[tonyb286]

Hi Laurie. I am fairly certain Mylo's shivering is connected with his heart condition. It sounds very much like a circulation problem (blood failing to get to the extremities). There may be no easy resolve to this, other than to do exactly what you are doing, keeping Mylo warm and out of any cold drafts, etc. It is of course something you should raise with your vet, as all information is useful in helping him decide the best way of treating the problems. I would still insist on the bloodwork though - I find it very confusing why he wouldn't be happy about doing it, as surely the more info he and you have, the better, even if it only tells you things you already know. Hoping for a good day tomorrow for you both. Hugs to you and Mylo. Tony x

[Bazingala]

Hi Tony,

Thanks so much for responding.

Mylo is still under the weather today.  He is slow moving but his tail is still wagging.  He didn't follow me around this morning.  I took him out and he is urinating but has not made a bowel movement yet today.  I know this is probably normal considering the amount he went the night before.  

I did feed him his "ick" Hills Prescription Food only once yesterday.  I gave him a minimal amount of chicken (yes, he still has an appetite).  However, he is shivering like crazy at times and I lay a towel over his body with a heating pad on top and he seems to stop.  I then take it off because the towel retains the heat for a little while.  I am not sure what is causing this.  This morning, his little paws were cold to the touch and so were his ears.  His chest was also a little cool.  Not sure if this is a circulation issue.  His gums are still pink but gosh only knows what is going on inside. I know sometimes they shiver in pain as well.  It seems as though the heating pad does stop the shivers and he seems relaxed.    

I totally agree to live in the moment. If people could only have the heart of a dog, this world would be a better place.

I am so happy when Mylo has his good days that I wish I could stop time and wish he would remain that way.  Then along comes a couple bad days and is just a kick in my heart and it is so painful.  I love that little guy something awful.  I keep my spirits up around him because I know he senses when I am upset.  I have to admit that when he is laying down sleeping on  one of his "bad" days, I sit outside on our balcony just cry like a baby.  I guess I am only human.

I can't wait to get home from work to check on my little man. He knows Mummy is home to take care of him.  I think I suffer from separation anxiety!  ...lol    My husband is wonderful helping out with him but Mylo is used to his Mum's care!  I feel like I can sense what is going on with him.  Especially, lately when I see him shiver.  I take out the heating pad and set him all up and I swear he lays his head down and has a smile on his face as to say "yep, she always knows what I need".  I know, I sound like a crazy lady!  

I am in the process of looking for another vet for a second opinion.  I have asked some friends and co-workers and they say the vet that I have is the best one in town.  Every time I mention his name, every single person RAVES about how good he is.  

Thanks again for letting me cry on your shoulder and asking you for advice. It truly helps.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful evening!

~Laurie

  
  

[tonyb286]

Hi Laurie. Try not to fret too much over this. As you rightly say, given his age and combination of meds and his physical issues, there's going to be good days and rough ones. He has had a few good days, so perhaps no wonder there's now a slight set-back. This happens to us humans (of a certain age) as well. The aim can only truly be to try to achieve more good days than bad, but keeping in mind there will be the occasional bad one. The bad days may increase as time goes on ... and all we can do is learn a lesson from our best friends, live for the moment.

It could quite easily be a little too much chicken all at once that has caused this episode. Small amounts more often will be tolerated much easier - and cause less stress on his digestive system - and consequentially, less stress on his heart and other organs. I don't blame you one little bit for becoming over-enthusiastic and 'giving in' to Mylo wanting ' a bit more' ... unfortunately, you will just have to try to prevent him from over-indulging, regardless of the expression or sounds he might present you with.

On other matters ... I wouldn't cut back on the Lasix. This is important to help remove excess fluids. Excess fluids will almost certainly cause Mylo exacerbated problems with his heart condition, so removing any build up of fluid is essential. It is a fact that all these meds will be having an impact on his liver and kidneys ... but you can only try to balance things, and for the time being, the control and management of his heart condition is a bigger priority.

Finally, yes, you should absolutely insist on bloodwork being done on a regular basis, and certainly every 3 months at least. If your vet isn't prepared to do this (can't think why, considering he will earn money for doing it, it's not like he's doing it for nothing is it), then look around for someone that will.

If Mylo's digestive system has settled down tomorrow, first thing, then you can be fairly certain it was just over-indulgence. As gentle as chicken is on the digestion, excess can still cause problems, so just try to feed the same normal amount split into lots of smaller portions. Feeding every couple of hours would be ideal, but this depends on your other commitments, work, etc., so just try to work out the best way of doing things.

Okay ... enough from me ... hoping you and Mylo have a better day tomorrow. Tony x

[Bazingala]

Good Morning Tony,

Had a rough night last night with Mylo.  When I came home from work, he was all bubbly and wanting his chicken cooked for him.  I made him a chicken breast (thinly sliced) and gave him half of it.  He gobbled it all down.  Barked for more.  I gave him a wee bit more.  A little while after eating, he didn't act right.  I believe it was an upset stomach (as you are aware, we know our dogs).  His stomach was rumbling a bit and his tail was between his legs.  I took him outside.  He urinated but did not make a bowel movement.  Each time I took him out, no BM just urinated.  He laid around the rest of the evening.  

Well, in the middle of the night, I heard a sound from Mylo.  I am not sure if it was the sound of him trying to vomit because it was so quick (I swear, if he sneezes I jump right up out of bed to check on him!).   He was up and a bit restless (like he wanted to go outside). My husband took him out and he didn't make a bowel movement or vomit.  He brought him back inside. Mylo rested a bit, again restless so my husband took him out yet again.  Once again, nothing.  Back to bed again, he became restless yet again. I got up and it was too late, he had diarrhea on the bedroom floor before we could take him outside (mind you, we live in a condo on the beach and have to take an elevator to the dog walk area so the poor guy has to hold it till we get there).  The vet had given me Metronidazole when he had episodes before, so I gave him a tablet around 6:30 a.m. this morning. I also gave him pedialyte.  

My husband called about an hour ago and said that Mylo had another bout with diarrhea.  He was at the front door (poor thing).  It was more runny than the first time. Neither time was it black or tarry, it was brown.   I am concerned because I thought the Metronidazole would stop this.

I am thinking that maybe since Mylo has just been eating his Hills Prescription Diet foot (the c/d and w/d mixed with pedialyte) that maybe I might have jumped he gun and gave him too much chicken.  Maybe just a little too anxious to have him eating again and overdid it.  Like I mentioned above, he started acting weird after I fed him the second bit of chicken.

I am praying that this isn't the beginning of liver or kidney failure.  His gums and tongue are pink and his eyes are white and not yellow.  

I have even cut down on his Lasix to 1/2 tablet twice a day to save his little liver and kidneys because he is on so much medication.  He has not had congestion in his chest nor coughing. I cannot cut down on his other meds (Enalapril , Vetmedin or Denamarin (which for his liver) because it would be too risky.  I am vigilant in his daily check of his vitals, chest congestion, etc.so I feel that cutting down on the Lasix wouldn't hurt him (which it hasn't).

As you know, his vet has not done blood work on him lately.  When I request it, he seems to just guess what is wrong.  I am starting to think that he believes that since Mylo is 15 with CHF that it isn't worth the time.  It is to me!  I would love to try to find another vet but as I said, this is a small town and I might have to travel a bit to get a new one. I don't care.  Mylo is worth it!  

My little Mylo has beat all the odds thus far and I feel if there is something that I can do to be proactive in his care I will do anything.

Let me know your thoughts, if you don't mind.  

Thank you!  I hope your day is going well!

[Bazingala]

Hi Again Tony,

Well Sally now has a theme song "Leader of the Pack" or even "Mustang Sally".  I actually think those songs will be stuck in my head now for the rest of the day....lol  Not showing my age, but those came out well before I was born...lol.

I certainly will give Mylo hugs for you.  He and I appreciate and enjoy your convos and helpful information!

Give your kids a hug from us as well!

[tonyb286]

Hi Laurie. Well, Sally is certainly already in The Pack ... the problem is, she thinks she's Leader of The Pack and has to be put back in her place every now and then. I keep telling her, it's Alpha Tony, not Alpha Sally. lol

Hope you're day goes well too. Give the little guy a hug from me. Tony x

[Bazingala]

Hi Tony,

Thank you!  I am so happy that Mylo is improving.  That little guy just amazes me.  

I cooked him chicken yesterday (I pretty much gave up on dog foods other than the Hill's Prescription that I still syringe feed him to get his vitamins and nutrients he needs).   He was standing at the oven barking at me!  His tail was wagging like crazy. So good to have him nagging at me again!   He also followed me around while I was getting ready for work this morning.  I love having my shadow back! :)

You gave me a chuckle when you said that your partner better not see your post about Giro being your soul-mate.  My husband always says that I love my Mylo more than I love him.......lol.  

Glad that Sally is adapting!  Before you know it, she will be part of the gang!

Hope you are having a wonderful Monday!    

[tonyb286]

Hi Laurie. Keep doing what you're doing. You've done so well with him and you are starting to get results. It's great news. Stay happy Mylo and keep wagging that tail. Ha. There is nothing crazy about thinking Mylo is your soul-mate ... Giro is certainly mine (better not let my partner read this). And Sally is joining the pack in slow degrees. She's adorable, but very mischievous. Keep me up-to-date with how things go. And give yourself a huge pat on the back for getting Mylo to this much improved stage. Tony x

[Bazingala]

Wow, you have an amazing family there!  They are so lucky to have you!

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of BB.  I know the pain is unbearable.  I am sure she will be with you always.  I believe they become a part of your soul.  I consider Mylo my soul mate dog!  (I know sounds crazy). I had other dogs in the past and of course loved them with all my heart.  I had Mylo since he was 5 weeks old.  He has been through thick and thin with me.  

It is so sad what they do to Greyhounds. A friend of mine adopted one as well. They are such loving dogs. I believe your Sally will adjust soon!  I also wanted to add that I love the name Giro!

Mylo has improved the past couple of days! He is now showing interest in other dogs when I take him out for a walk (the little ladies man that he is...lol) he wants to socialize a bit.  He is picking up his pace a little bit but I am still careful of my little boy.  

Also, another day without a rapid breathing or heart racing episode and no coughing in weeks!  I am thankful each and every  moment he has a good day.  I just pray everyday that he stays well and does not suffer. When he had those episodes it is so frightening.  I would take his vitals when he would get these episodes and his heart rate was so fast that I couldn't even get an accurate beat per minute.  His respiration would also sky rocket to 85 breaths per minute.  I always check his gum and tongue color.

I totally agree that life would not be complete without your dogs.

Yes, today is a fab day! I hope you have a wonderful day as well! :)

~Laurie
  

[tonyb286]

Hi there. A dog wagging it's tail is the best pick-me-up a human can get, I reckon. It's great news he's had a good day. Even if every day get's better slowly and by small degrees, it's good news. And well done to you for helping him get to this improved stage.

Yes, I have dogs - and honestly, my life would not be complete without them. Although I lost my best friend to kidney failure 2 years ago (BB was the most amazing rescued lurcher and just the most adorable and intelligent of dogs ... my companion and friend and I still miss her so very much) - I do now have two other rescues. Giro is a rottie mix, now 9 yrs old, (smaller than a rottie, with no aggression, and the most lovable of dogs), and recently we got Sally, a rescued greyhound from the Greyhound Trust. She's just 4 yrs old, was retired from racing at 3yrs, then thrown out like so many are. She's settling in well, but has lots of issues that we are slowly working our way through with her.

Hope you and Mylo have a fab day. Take care. Tony

[Bazingala]

Thank you again Tony!  

I know to stay away from any food from China!  Yikes!

Years ago, when they had the major dog food recall, Mylo was on Nutro.  It was awful!  He had such vomiting fits and bloody stools and was so dehydrated.  My old vet said it was "bouts" with colitis.  So they changed his food to Nutro for Sensitive Stomachs.  This was BEFORE the recall. I came home one day, was browsing at our local newspaper and it said dog food recall. So I went to the FDA website and  sure enough, Mylo's food was on the recall list.  

I believe this was happening well before they announced the massive recall.  I was at the vets at least 15 time within a year and a half (previous to the FDA putting out the recall) for these so called "bouts" with colitis.  Here I am trying to help Mylo buying expensive food, only to find out that I am feeding him with food poisoned with Melamine!

I cooked for him for a while and did MAJOR research on what brand to feed him.  Finally, I put him on Solid Gold Wee Bits and he never had a problem since then.

The FDA advised that I keep the food (which I had a caseload of the crud).  They never did anything about it.  Angered me to no extent how many dogs and cats passed away because of this.  I consider Mylo and myself unbelievably lucky.

Mylo sure has been through a lot through the years. Actually, he is feeling better this morning and getting around MUCH better.   He followed me around while I was getting ready for work.  

He does have a little more bit of an appetite now.  Although, he is picky about his dog food and wants human food.  I still feed him his "ick" food through a syringe to make sure he gets all his vitamins and nutrients.  He was trying to toss the bowl off the table with his nose. Gotta love the little guy cause I don't blame him!  Hill's food isn't exactly the most enticing smelling food!...lol

I tried to give him his other dog food as well this morning.  I watched him trying to slam the food bowl with his nose into the wall.  He then proceeded to try to nudge it towards the door....lol.  He is gaining his energy for sure.  It is the simple things like this that make me so happy.  His tail wagging is back again and trotting around (just a bit)!  He is still walking slow, but actually has picked up his pace.   What a good day and count my blessings for days like these and hope they last :)

I am sorry, but I failed to ask if you have a dog! I am sure you are a wonderful dad to your furry family member!

Thanks again! :)

[tonyb286]

You are very welcome. I think you made a good decision on giving glucosamine. Of course it's difficult to know, but the chances are he'd be so much worse had he not received this over the years. The internet is certainly your best bet for getting supplements. Please just make sure you choose a US or UK source recognized by government as trustworthy, and stay well away from Chinese supplement manufacturers, as well as several other worldwide manufacturers where the products are suspect to say the least.

In the UK this is a good link http://www.vetvits.co.uk/dog-supplements/flexi-joints-for-dogs/productdetail-p15875-c1786997.aspx

You may have to search a little more to get good a US source.

Thanks for the hug Mylo ... take care. Tony

[Bazingala]

Tony,

You do not know how much I appreciate this.  You sure know are knowledgeable in this area!  I will definitely look into this article!  I just hope I am able to obtain these natural anti-inflammatory supplements.  I know the internet is a possibility.  I am not sure the little town I live in here on the beach (which is 20 years behind the times in some things!) would carry this stuff.  Any ideas?

I do give Mylo glucosamine twice a day.  I have been giving it to him for years since I am aware of dachshunds with back problems.  I truly think this has helped him throughout the years.

You are heaven sent!  Thank you so much.  I will definitely give Mylo a hug for you and I he sends one your way as well.  Your help and information is so much appreciated you can't even imagine.  

[tonyb286]

Hi. I agree, it is time for some blood tests and an Xray. You should insist on these, if the vet is unwilling then try an alternative vet. As for natural anti-inflammatory treatments ... nutraceutical supplements called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known as mucopolysaccharides, can be useful. These include glucosamine (both the sulfate and the HCl forms) and chondroitin sulfate, from sources such as chitin (the shells of shellfish), green-lipped mussel (perna canaliculus), and cartilage. Also included in this category are the injectable forms sold under the brand names Adequan in the U.S. and Cartrophen (pentosan polysulfate) elsewhere.

Take a look at http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_3/features/Canine-Arthritis_15910-1.html as although the journal article is from 2007, it actually includes some very useful info and advice on natural products for arthritis and rheumatic problems. Give Mylo a hug from me. Take care. Tony

[Bazingala]

Thank you for responding Tony and Tazzey,

After writing my last post, I was told to give him the Metacam every other day.  I did that, twice, but still had the episodes where he didn't seem to know us.  So, I have decided to can the Medacam all together.  I did a litle research and asked about Tramadol. The vet did prescribe it for me and I only give it to him once a day.  I understand that this is a pain med and not an anti-inflammatory, however, with Mylo's heart condition I do not have many options.

He does not have the "spaced out" episodes that he was having while on the Medacam.  He also has not vomited or had diarrhea.  His alertness has improved and his eyes are bright again.  However, he still walks very slow, but not as dragging as he was when on the Medacam. He also is able to wag his tail and even barked at me (which I haven't heard in weeks).  

The strange thing is (which I am happy about) is that he has not had any breathing episodes with his CHF nor has coughed not once in 2 weeks.  He would get the rapid breathing episodes rather frequently and also his heart would race.  At first when he was diagnosed, Mylo had a long run without having any of the breathing and rapid heart beat episodes.  Then it started to happen more frequently (almost every day).  Then, after this back issue (actually, I think it is all over athritis) his vitals have been normal.

I live in a small city were vets are few and far between. The vet that he has now was heaven sent (he was the 2nd opinion) when the other emergency vet place sent us on our way with a lasix and a huge bill.  I feel as though he should be doing some sort of blood test or x-ray instead of just prescribing me all the medication under the sun.  I realize Mylo has CHF and his right and left atrium are both bad.  However, he has beat all odds thus far.

Also, does anyone have any ideas of a natural anti-inflammatory (other than asprin?)  Mylo is now snuggling under a heating pad waiting for a massage from me!

Thank you all again for your input.  I really do appreciate it.  

I am sorry to hear about your loss Tazzey, my heart goes out to you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Thank you Tony for being so kind.

[Tazzey]

We have owned five dogs and all, but one, have had extreme heart issues.  Recently, we just put down one of our younger dogs from CHF.  The other dog we have now has gone through the exact same issues you are facing. She has an extremely enlarged heart.
She was taking two different heart meds 3x's daily and was throwing up, dragging around and lost close to 8 pounds. She also has issues with stones and had three surgeries to stop the infections. She is also on antibiotics again for a month with renal issues.  Each day is a mystery as to what to expect. Some days I wake up to her walking around not sure what is needed. So, I put out some pieces of chicken with rice, (mild food for her stomach) or give her water to drink. (I found that walking away sometimes gives her the piece of mind that I'm not forcing her to eat.) Sometimes, I'll take her out to pee or poop...even during early hours of the morning.  We also had to cut back on her heart meds to twice daily.  We have changed around her dog foods numerous times only to find that she'll stop eating from the meds in the food or treats.  So we designated one person in the family to force the med down her throat all together in one small pill pocket. (a flavor she likes.)  We assigned another member of the family to help her eat (anything that works).  We continued to reassure her that their wasn't any meds in the dog food from the member who wasn't forcing the pills down her throat. With the advice of our vet...we give her a small dosage (daily) of "over the counter" Zantac for her stomach issues from the meds.  When she starts to breath heavy... we constantly pick her up and calm her down. We give her back massages. We never let her become too excited....even when she likes to play or even climb the steps. We carry her up.  All in all in working with these techniques, our dog stopped throwing up, has gained weight and knows we are there always to keep her calm.  This has worked for us for over a year and things are much better.  Also, you need to remember that animals do pick up on our feelings for them and can get anxious if we feel afraid or frustrated when things aren't working for them.  Just keep it calm, talk to them and reassure them that they need to calm down. We pick our dog up constantly, praising her when she eats and saying how much we love her.  I'm hoping that things will get better for you.  Perhaps some of these suggestions can work for you.  I'll be praying that things will get better for your animal.  Our dog recently gained three pounds back.  We know that there will come a day when things will go down hill for her like our other dog, recently. However, for now all is fine and these techniques have work.  Again, just keep talking, holding him, giving back massages and soothing your animal in anyway...as he goes through these difficult times. Keep it calm and talk to you vet about perhaps taking some Zantac.
Also, sadly... our family is in the firm belief that when the quality of our dog's life is so poor...then it's time to make the right decision.  I'm not telling you that it's time to put you animal down.  Only you know how much pain your dog can take.  Remember...whatever it takes.  I've worked with abused dogs that have bitten right through my legs and arms.  But...with a lot of love, support, soothing and retraining these dogs have learned to trust and show tremendous love.  Anything is possible!  God Bless and we'll be praying for you!