Chihuahua with Congestive Heart Failure

[BuffsloChips]

OK. I have a chihuahua with congestive heart failure. The vet prescribed furosemide, enalipril amd vetmedin. He is doing better, but the meds are apparently hurting his stomach. Is there something like maybe pepto bismol or something that we could give him to help? He is just eating less and less. These drugs seem to scare him, the way they make him feel, he is withdrawing from us and hiding more than usual.

Also he is still having trouble breathing sometimes. His major problem is fluid in his lungs, but i think he is still suffering with some around them as well. Does that sound like the vet needs to increase his furosemide? He is actually getting less than he was initially. He started out at 12.5mg twice daily and now we have a liquid that is 10mg/ml and he is getting 1ml twice daily. He seemed to be doing better before.

Any suggestions as to how we can make him feel better is appreciated. I don't want the end of his life to be any more miserable than absolutely necessary.

Last, if he gets to the point that it is better for him to be put to sleep, what can we do at home to take care of it? I can not leave him with strangers to stick him with a needle and leave him to die, nor can I go to the vet and sit there with him while he dies and then just go home. I really want him to go at home with the ones that love him. I would like to be able to give him something that would make him go to sleep gently and then give him something to end it for him.

I want him to go preferably while he was sleeping somewhat comfortably.

[Punkster]

I Have A 2 1/2 Year Old Chi..She Was Diagnosed Last Year With CHF..She Takes 1/2 Of An Enalipril And 0.5 Of Lasix In The Dropper...Recently Shes Been Constipated And Cries When She Poops..Now She Avoids Going..She's CKC Registered And I Find That Very Disturbing As Well As The Fact She Was So Young When Diagnosed...She's Starting To Cough A Little Lately And Doesn't Drink As Much Water As She Used To. I Spend 24/7 With Her Since She Was 8 Months Old. We Are Never Apart, Ever..Ive Added 1/4 Teaspoon Of 100% Pumpkin And Grind Her Food Up..All I Can Do Is Spoil Her Rotten And Love Her As Much As I Can...My Vet Will Only Answer Questions If I Pay To Bring Her In..Its Not Like I'm Asking Him Advice For Surgery...sheesh

[SusanBosacki]

Please, you can have a vet come to your home and "do the deed" there.  It will be so much better for both of you!

[Gmahelen]

My Chi has an enlarged heart also but prior to finding it out I thought it was acid reflux and gave him a half dropper of pepto bismol. Amazing it stopped the coughing. Now I’m trying to treat him holistically but still use the pepto because it seems to do the trick.

[Star_Smith]

My 8 1/2 yr old Chihuahua was recently diagnosed with heart failure. Treatment: Vetmedin 1 pill morning,  Furosemide 1/4 pill (pill is so small already and have to cut into 1/4 pieces, some of the pill crumbles so difficult to cut). She also gets Adenosyl supplement for previous liver issues. At nIght she gets 1/2 Vetmedin, 1/4 Furosemide, 1/2 Enalapril. She had immediate improvement, she stopped panting at night. Keeping her calm, excitement seems to lead to coughing, sometimes though she would just cough. No coughing so far. Then about 3 wks later out of the blue she got a limp, difficult for her to walk, noticed small lump on other side of her body too, and that ain't all she now has congestion. When it rains it pours! Took her in to reg vet, patella problem, lump not sure what it is, told to monitor, not uncommon for older dogs. Rimadyl  (for patella issue) to be given for inflammation for 8 days. So another pill to be taken. She lost her appetite on 4th day only ate 1/3 of her food. She was also having panting problems at night again. Took her in to cardiac specialist. X -rays taken, improved from last, however, one vessel a bit thick with small amt of fluid surrounding it. New treatment: Rimadyl reduced 1 time a day, discontinue Enalapril until appetite returns, higher dose of Furocemide from 5 mg to 6.25 mg twice a day. Get back to doc if she doesn't eat within 24 hrs. She ate, but now she' s hiding out, will see abt her panting tonight and appetite tomorrow. One step at a time.

[dcb720]

My chihuahua had heart disease and was on Lasix and Vetmedin for almost a year. The Lasix caused him to urinate frequently, but was supposed to help his breathing. His breathing became really labored one night, and he was constantly panting, holding his head up, and struggling for air. I took him to the vet as soon as their doors opened, and the vet said there was nothing more to do for him. I wanted to take him home to die. He HATED going to the vet. But, my vet told me it is a horrible death to wait out. He was struggling for air due to blood filling his lungs, and he was basically drowning in his own blood. I'm only informing those who would prefer their pup to be home, that it may not be the most humane thing to do. I called my  children who drove to the vet, and we held him and told him he was a good boy and we cried (including the vet) while we put him down. Even though holding your beloved pet is so difficult, at least your pet is cradled in your arms and feeling your loving touch as they pass. A year later, I still miss my Riley. Recently, my other chihuahua was diagnosed with the same condition. I'm not looking forward to the progression because I know what's ahead. Every time he coughs or gags, my heart aches.

[jazebella]

Hi
I know how you feel.  My chihuahua Is 81/2 also diagnosed with heart failure.
She is on furosemide and vetmedin .  I have other meds also since her stomach gets upset a lot of times.  May I ask how long ago your dog was diagnosed? Because from what i was told congestive heart failure goes in stages.  I am assuming he did have a sonogram.   I don't know how long ago he was diagnosed but I am feeling that he is not close to those final stages. Please ask your vet these questions if you haven't already.

[HopeImHelpful]

Hello,

I am really sorry to hear about your dog´s condition. My dog (a beautiful Chihuahua) had it and received Furosemide, Vetmedin and Benazepril.
Furosemide made her stomach really upset, but I mixed the Furosemide with yoghurt (lactose free) and a pet Probiotic, this combination did not upset her stomach.

I recommend that you consider these supplements for heart support:

- Ubiquinol (CoQ10) for pets by Dr. Mercola
- Taurine (Amino acid)
- L-Carnitine (Amino acid)
- B-complex vitamin (non syntethic)
- Omega 3 (Krill or fish oil, in capsule form so every serving is fresh)
- Magnesium (glycinate form recommended)
- D-Ribose (Supports the production of ATP)

- A vitamin and mineral supplement (only because I stopped feeding her dry food and only homemade food. Dry food  should have this already added)

Other supplements to consider:
- Hawthorn(liquid extract, alcohol free) Coconut oil (Extra virgin)
- Coconut oil (Extra virgin)
- Curcumin (for pets by Dr. Mercola)
- Tocotrienols (google “Tocotrienols” and “dogs”)

Please research these supplements yourself, thats what I did.
Start with small dosages and only one supplement at a time.
This way you can see how your dog reacts to each supplement.
As an example: start giving Ubiquinol, then a week later add Omega 3, wait another week and add Taurine, and continue that way.

Whatever food you give your dog, make sure the main ingredient is quality meat (preferably organic) and that the food is low in sodium.

When she was eating just dry food (Hills, which was recommended by a vet) and medicine, she was lethargic and was not herself anymore.

Homemade balanced food with these supplements added changed that and really improved my dog´s overall health!
Usually heart failure is a progressive disease, but my dog´s health actually improved greatly.
She became her old self again, happy and energetic.

When changing your dogs diet, do it gradually or you will upset their stomach.
It may be wise to consult with a professional veterinarian that has knowledge about nutrition and does not just prescribe pills and recommend a low quality dog food.


Hope this is helpful, and I wish you and your dogs long happy lives!

[Punkster]

I Have A 2 1/2 Year Old Chi..She Was Diagnosed Last Year With CHF..She Takes 1/2 Of An Enalipril And 0.5 Of Lasix In The Dropper...Recently Shes Been Constipated And Cries When She Poops..Now She Avoids Going..She's CKC Registered And I Find That Very Disturbing As Well As The Fact She Was So Young When Diagnosed...She's Starting To Cough A Little Lately And Doesn't Drink As Much Water As She Used To. I Spend 24/7 With Her Since She Was 8 Months Old. We Are Never Apart, Ever..Ive Added 1/4 Teaspoon Of 100% Pumpkin And Grind Her Food Up..All I Can Do Is Spoil Her Rotten And Love Her As Much As I Can...My Vet Will Only Answer Questions If I Pay To Bring Her In..Its Not Like I'm Asking Him Advice For Surgery...sheesh

[WolfShadow]

I have a Chihuahua that is 14 with chf.  He was born with heart problems to begin with but always did well until he started retaining fluids which in turn pressed against his trachea causing coughing.  He is on the starndard 3 meds.  I'm only able to get 1/2 of all the doses down him and I found peanut butter to be a miracle for that.  My problem is he absolutely will not eat except what little bit I hand feed him.  I have been cooking him veggies, chicken, noodles, etc. which he loves, but now he eats only about a large tablespoon a day.  Apparently the meds kill his appetite.  He will die of malnutrition before chf.  Any ideas?

[adaswann]

Hello, I to have a 12 year old female that just a few months ago was diagnosed with enlarged heart. She is on same meds as your plus something called pimobendan. She has had no problem drinking and eating but does still have a little cough or hack once in awhile or breaths a little hard. She has had  a couple incidents where she just falls and goes limp like an anxiety attack or seizure but does not shake, just lays there and con not move for a couple min. Then we pet here and talk to her then she comes out of it and is fine. But she has not really had no side effects on meds except having to go pee more often. Hope this helps. Ada

[adaswann]

Hello, I to have a 12 year old female that just a few months ago was diagnosed with enlarged heart. She is on same meds as your plus something called pimobendan. She has had no problem drinking and eating but does still have a little cough or hack once in awhile or breaths a little hard. She has had  a couple incidents where she just falls and goes limp like an anxiety attack or seizure but does not shake, just lays there and con not move for a couple min. Then we pet here and talk to her then she comes out of it and is fine. But she has not really had no side effects on meds except having to go pee more often. Hope this helps. Ada

[Mcharles]

Hi,

I have a 11 year old Chihuahua that was coughing a lot and hacking which I thought was a tracheal collapse.  Turns out she has a pretty bad heart.  A xray showed that her right side of her heart was enlarged.  Since I start the prescription for Salix, I am noticing that she is seeming sluggish and not motivated.  She also seems to breathe in and snort in more than before.  Has anyone had this issue with Salix?  Is the sluggishness and snort breathing a side affect?  She is also on Enalipril.   So prior to taking these medications, she only had a hacking cough once in a while and collapsed once in a while..... But now after taking the medication, she seem sluggish and breathes in with a snort through her nose.    I don't know what else to do and I don't want to put her to sleep.  I would rather let her go on her own.  Please let me know if anyone else had these same issues and if so.. should I take her off any of the meds?

[robertmatthewking]

Sorry so late to answer, but hopefully this reply helps others with the same question: yes, it seems as though Salix/Lasix/furosemide and Enalipril do indeed cause some sluggishness and fatigue as the congestive heart failure progresses.

[Slynne13]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  Our oldest Chihuahua was just diagnosed with congestive heart failure 3 weeks ago and I am not handling his terminal illness very well.  I try to treasure every day with him and it kills me just thinking of what's coming.
He's only 8 1/2 years old and had a perfect puppy vet check so it's very hard for me to understand how this could have happened.
And, we have his baby, who is now 5 and it scares me that this is congenital/hereditary.
The heart medication and Lasix do not seem to be doing much to help his coughing.  I do not want him to be in pain and I'm praying for the strength to do the right thing when it's time for him to pass.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[SusanBosacki]

Just try and know that you HAVE to have he strength to do the right thing when it is time.  If you need some support, ask a good friend to accompany you (if you live near Boise, Idaho, I'd be happy to go with you)!  Just shoot me an email at ***@**** to let me know or even to cry on my shoulder.
Much love, Suz

[SusanBosacki]

Oh, sorry, they x'd out my email address!

[chasha33]

I am truely so sorry for the loss of your furbaby.Know in your heart that he knew how much you loved him.It sounds like you did everything you could to help him and i am sure that he knew that.He will always be with you in your heart and you have all the memories of your good times together.I lost my little girl Chloe almost 14 weeks ago and i know how hard it is.I am still having a hard time dealing with losing her.You will be in my Prayers.May God Bless You.
        Chan

[scrazyp]

I pray that we all meet our beloved companions on the Rainbow Bridge when it is our time to go.  

[BuffsloChips]

Well, we lost the battle to save our little baby Monday. Around 7am he piddled and there was some blood in it. He had been on a steady decline since the beginning of week 3. He had stopped eating and finally wasn't drinking water anymore. Over Sunday night I got him to take some water from a dropper to try to get him hydrated

Monday morning my wife called the vet who said he needed to be seen. As we got ready to go I noticed that he was starting to breathe really heavily all of a sudden. It got a little worse by the time the vet saw him. He said that his heart was in terrible condition (much worse than before). He said that given his trouble breathing, the sound of his heart and that there was blood in his pee that he most likely would only last as much as a couple days.

We had to make the decision to go ahead and put him "to sleep". He was in pain and struggling to breathe. What else was there to do? The vet didn't understand that I wanted something that would do the job that I could take him home and take care of him there. I wanted to comfort him and tell him that I loved him and see him go to sleep before he died.

I really killed me to watch the last little bit of life fade away from him like that. He was alert and awake when the end hit him. He was sedated first, but it wasn't to do anything more than render him incapable of a struggle. It is the most terrible thing I can imagine and never want to have to do it again!

I love him dearly and wish I could see him and have the chance to hold him and give him the love that I feel like I didn't while he was here. To tell him that I am sorry for doing that to him.

[robertmatthewking]

I'm really sorry, almost in tears as I read this at work. I am going through this with my 8 year old chihuahua in 2019. My heart is so heavy. He is the glue to our little family. Today we are visiting the vet, and after $7,000 in vet expenses I fear my little guy is nearing the end. For those reading this, there are now some Vets who do make house calls. I am highly considering this. Anyway, mortality sucks, and hopefully those struggling can at least find comfort in knowing that they are not alone.

[eden45]

I know exactly how you feel.I had to stay with my peke when he was put to sleep, he died in my arms,You can talk to your vet and tell him about your wishes, With regards to Peptobismol, my vet told me not to give it because it contains salicylates, like aspirin,your dog might bleed due to ulcer. I give my shih tzu ,Pepcid, as he vomits at times, you can try what my vet told me to do.I cook noodles with chicken for my dog and he likes it.With furosemide,if the vet prescribed 12.5mg twice a day, then you have to give it.if your liquid is 10mg/ml, you should give 1.25ml twice a day.Caring for a dog with CHF is like caring for a person with CHF. I guess that you should be careful about his activities too.