My dog has CHF.

[Fionas_mom1]

She has gain excessive amount of weight in the last year but her food intake is less. She cannot exercise because of her symptoms. Her breathing is very labored and she gets short of breath in cold weather.
I have been begging my vet to tell me what is wrong with her until I got the answer today. I feel like I failed her.
Her recent surgeries/illnesses are the following:
Aspiration of vomit two years ago this month.
Infected uterus removal in July 2016
Ultrasound scheduled for Monday.
She started taking lasik and vetmedin today.
How long does it take for the medicines to work?
What can I expect?

[Ghilly]

Furosemide (Lasix) is what is known as a loop diuretic because it works in small loops found in the filtering apparatus of the kidneys.

Pimobendan (Vetmedin), when used in conjunction with Lasix, offers a much better treatment plan than simply using an ACE inhibitor alone.

Two things to remember are to always make sure your dog has access to lots of fresh water because the Lasix is going to make her drink (and pee) a lot more.  DO NOT, no matter what, restrict her access to water from here on in.  Chances are good that a large portion of the weight she has gained is water weight, which will just disappear as she pees because of the Lasix doing its work.  You also need to keep tabs on her potassium levels since they can get wonky with the diuretic, and wonky potassium levels can disrupt the heart's rhythm.   You will also need to make arrangements for your dog to be able to pee during the night because the Lasix will have her going around the clock.  

With these meds, as long as you take care not to let her get overheated in the hot weather she should have a fairly normal lifespan.

Ghilly