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

[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!