Question of number of meds

[LindaTX]

I have to take my dog Barney back to the Vet for a recheck in an hour.  He's on Vetmedin, 5mg...Enalapril, 10mg...furosemide (lasix) 40 mg, and Diltiazem 40mg. His coughing has not improved.  I'm wondering if he really needs the Vetmedin or the Diltiazem?  I know his HR seems normal now but because of having heartworms a few yrs ago, he has the residual side effect of CHF.  I just hate giving him so many meds and he's not getting better!  Any quick suggestions?  

[LindaTX]

Thanks, Dixie....I just posted again on the dog forum.  Barney is still coughing so much and none of the vets I've taken him to can agree on treatment.  It's very discouraging.  I just don't know what to do.

[dixiesstory58]

Linda, I have a 10 yr old wire hair terrier. She has been very sick and at death door 2 times. She had to have a blood transfusion and several cysts removed. She has been on about 15 different med's and some were from Walgreen's. She has had specialist from several states looking at what is wrong. So far no one knows. You have to trust your vet or get a second,third,forth opinion if you think something is wrong. I hope everything is well

[LindaTX]

Thanks, Jerry....and good luck with your 6 mo. check up!

[Jerry_NJ]

Mostly good news on all reported fronts - from a fellow AFib'er who isn't cured.

[LindaTX]

Hey, chicky...doing good...no afib since my "touch-up" ablation last May!  How about you?  Send me a private message!

The Vet said Barney looked great, regular pulse, no fast HR, lungs and heart clear from fluid.  Told me to do exactly what we've been doing so I guess we'll have to keep him on the Diltiazem as well.

[chicky2001]

How are you?  I took Diltiazem too.  Not good for me either.  

[LindaTX]

I know what you mean, jerry about the human meds.  We haven't left for the appt yet because the Vet was tied up with surgeries.  But we will be leaving shortly.  I have had time to do some research on the meds Barney is on and it sounds like they are exactly what he needs but I still question the Diltiazem....I took that once before myself and didn't have good results with it and poor Barney can't tell me how he's feeling on it.

[Jerry_NJ]

Hi Linda,

I'm too late to comment before your appointment, let us know what you learn.

I did not, do not, have an answer but I do worry that doctors for humans as well as veterinarian doctors sometimes over prescribe.  This is one discussion I will have with my cardiologist (human)  on my upcoming 6 mo check up.