Congestive Heart Failure questions

[jtk2iv]

I am patiently waiting for the vet to call me back - I took my dog in for heavy, labored breathing, not eating, and generally being lethargic.  Xrays and ekg were done and the vet thinks ity may be congestive heart failure.  There is a chance it is heartworm, so they are doing that test as well.  If the heartworm was negative, they were going to start her on nitroglycerin and lasix to bring her heart rate down.  

They suggested I take to to an emergency clinic tonight so she can be seen by a cardiologist tomorrow.  

If they do administer the nitro and lasix, what more can the E.C. do overnight while waiting for the cardiologist.  And furthermore, what more will the cardiologist do after the ultrasound confirms the congestive heart failure, after she is already on the medication?

Please help!  I don't have tons of money, but I want to do whatever I can for my dog.  I don't if I should take her in or bring her home...

[jtk2iv]

Unfortunately not, she hasn't had the heartworm pills for over 6 months.  Terrible, I know.  And as mmuch as I hate to say it, because it's entirely my fault, But heartworm would be a better alternative to the CHF, no?

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

You ask very good questions.  I'm sorry you are facing this.  

Has she received Heartworm Prevention regularly??

CHF or Congestive Heart Failure is not uncommon in older dogs.  They are a medical management case.  Nothing surgical can help.  it is a life long control issue because it is a very slow onset problem and many long term changes have occurred.  They must believe she is in a difficult position in terms of compensation or they would not have recommended this.  The meds they are giving now are to halt her decompensation as best they can to get her stable for further eval and treatment.

The ER can watch her closely and give her any meds needed as they monitor heart and blood pressure etc.  

However, if money is a real problem, then after treatment today, you can watch her at home then get her to the cardiologist as soon as you can.  Understand the risk is that if she were go have an acute episode of decompensated failure you would have to get her to the ER.  (fainting, severe coughing etc.)

A cardiologist is expertly situated to help you with medical management and regular evaluations.  Various drugs that will help her heart, managing low sodium diet and exercise etc. are all going to be very important.  

hope this helps, good luck.