old dog with a swollen abdomin

[saphorrah]

my boston terrier just tuned 16 yrs. 4 yrs ago she came down with acute pancreatitus. was in pain wouldn't eat and spent 2 wks in gulf coast animal hosp. they didn't think she would make it. thank god she did. since then she has gone blind,deaf and in the last month has lost use of her hind legs. she has no pain and she still lets me know when it's time to eat and  when she needs to go outside. my question is, also in the last month or so her belly has swollen and her breathing a little more labored and her barks are not as loud. other than what i mentioned above all of her habits seem to be the same. is there anything inexpensive and unintrusive that would ease the swelling so maybe her breathing wouldn't be so labored. i just bought her a full support wheelchair so she can still enjoy her out door time.
any help will be greatly appreciated.

[ginger899]

How did it go at the vet's? I'm interested, and hope all is well. If you get the chance do please post an update.

[saphorrah]

thank you for taking the time to answer. i just made her an appointment for today, so god willing we will fixer her up.

[ginger899]

Blessings to your good old dog!
She might be slowly losing bits of herself along the way, but she sounds like she still knows where it's at. If she still has a good appetite, and still enjoys outdoor exercise, it sounds like she is still ok with life!

It does sound to me as if this could be fluid retention. It could be caused by her heart function not being quite what it used to be. This can cause laboured breathing, and some loss of lung function (that would account for her barks being not as loud)  I am sure if you took her to the vet, they could prescribe some diuretic medication (water tablets) that could help to ease the symptoms.
You are certain she has no pain? (Just checking. She doesn't have to have)

There are safe herbs (for dogs) which can help a lot with water retention. Cleavers, and Cornsilk. But I would definitely take her to the vet. Then you can decide whether to use diuretic drugs which may be prescribed, or whether to try an alternative option. It all depends how acute her condition is.

Going blind and deaf is not so nice. But for a dog, it doesn't have to be the complete end of the world. They rely a great deal on their sense of smell, anyway. And without a doubt she relies on the love and trust she feels with you.