Fluid buildup around the heart

[Vince1130]

My Dachshund is ten years and four months old. Last week on a Thursday I'd noticed that my dog was breathing heavier than normal. I took him to the Vet and they decided to do x-rays. It was discovered that he had fluid buildup around the heart. The Vet gave him some medication. I started the medication that same night. The next day I'd made an attempt to give him the meds and he would bite my fingers. I'd managed to give him the meds again during the evening. He did the same thing bite my fingers while trying to give him the medication. The next day on a Saturday I noticed he would not eat any food and slightly drink water. I decided to dilute the pills in water and give him the medication by using a syringe. He gave me a hard time, but I managed to do it. I did it once a day when the medication was prescribe for twice a day. It was difficult. The following week I noticed he was weak, refused to eat anything, and barely drink water. I called the Vet and schedule another appointment that following Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving Day. The Vet evaluated my dog carefully. He stated that based on his observation, my dog Vinnie is rapidly deteriorating. He kindly gave me options and reiterated the best of the interest of my suffering dog. He gave him two steroids and requested I call him first thing on Friday and provide him with my dog status. I called the vet Friday morning with an update. Now, I'm facing to put my dog to rest tomorrow morning with hopes for his last day he can walk. I took him to the park and he appear as though he was going to collapse. I went online to research this type of illness with dogs to clear my mine. Despite all the grieving, I have to give it to my Vet for answering all my question and advice to do what's best for my suffering pet. I love him and will miss him so much. My question is why did my pet refuse to take his medication?

[Vince1130]

My dog passed away on Saturday morning 11/30/2013. I miss him so much especially when my cat Brody looks for him. Our pets give us so much happiness in life. I will treasure for life. Thank you for the response. I really appreciate your generosity.  

[Jerry_NJ]

It is not uncommon for dogs to refuse medicine, sounds like you went the extra mile (I've been down myself) to get prescribed medicine in a dog.  My Westie (a Terrier) will nip me if I try to force him to swallow - or at least he will somehow manage to hold it in his mouth until he gets a chance to spit it out.

I would guess your breed of dog normally lives longer than 10 years, but there are health factors that are not always common or the same.  

I still grieve over dogs we have decided to "put down" to end the suffering.  Those losses are mostly out of my mind years later, but your story revives them and so I empathize with you in a very true sense.

Why, I can not answer, but I suggest you struggle with medicines was not the cause of the illness.