Old dog cough

[melodyf46]

My old Akita (going on 16) had a cough for about 2 mos that my vet originally through was kennel cough.  . However, since it didn't disappear, he put him on 20 mg of Furosemide 3 days ago and the cough has since stopped.  I understand Furosemide is a powerful diuretic so I'm wondering if this will harm him in the long run even though his condition has improved.

FYI, Kita (the Akita) also developed a heart murmur about 4 years ago.  He had a stroke 9 months ago and has since been really showing his age....slowed down to a crawl, a bit of confusion, sleeps all the time, etc.  He is not incontinent.  He doesn't seem to be in any pain and since we keep him inside whether we're at home or not, his quality of life is still pretty good so I don't want to have him put down yet.

[Misfits4Me]

Congratulations on your 16yr. old baby...I hope I'm that lucky with any of mine.  :)  Furosemide (Diuretic) is used for a number of conditions: Heart Failure, Cirrhosis of the Liver, Fluid accumulation of the lungs, Kidney disfunction, and High Blood pressure.  Your Guy is on a relatively Low dose for his size....If it is helping him, stay with it. The only problem that I have questioned is Potassium loss. However, my Vet says that this is rare in dogs. I have read where others think that it's a must to give a Potassium supplement with a lasix.  You might ask your Vet his/her take on this. Just to make you feel better, my little guy (12lb. Poodle) takes 25mg. daily, split into 2 doses. I can also add another 12.5mg. as needed. He has been on these for 15mos. with no trouble. His last bloodwork, (One month ago) showed his electrolytes as normal....So, I wouldn't worry if I were you. You must have done a Excellent job with him! Wow!    Good luck to you both........Karla

[lonewolf07]

Your Akita is just beautiful.  We have a 12 yr old Akita who has arthritis and is being treated for it.  If it means anything, being 16 yrs old is extremely rare for an Akita.  You must love him a lot.  They are a breed that do best with just one owner/family.

I don't have much knowledge about the meds you are giving him but I agree with Peek.  If he is still enjoying his life, let him enjoy it.  He will tell you when he's ready to go.  Our Akita can't walk as fast because of the arthritis but it is being treated.  Her picture is on my profile page - I can't resist showing her off  = )

Hope your boy does well.  If it helps, we had a 20 yr old shih tzu and now have a 23 yr old cat who can still outrun the other pets when it comes to food.

Big hug to you from me and a milkbone for your boy from NumberNine, my "girl".

[peekawho]

It sounds like he may have some sort of heart problem going on.  Furosemide pulls fluid out of the body, and if there is a lot of fluid in the lungs as a result of mild heart failure, the dog coughs.  Furosemide pulls the fluid out of the lungs, and the cough usually improves.

If he has a good quality life, keep him in the best condition he can be.  When you go to the vet next, ask if the vet suspects a heart or lung problem, and from there, you can decide what treatment is best.