Pericardial Effusion + Enlarged Heart + Irregular Breathing..

[casper1]

I'm new to the forums, and thought i'd post an issue with my dog and see if anyone else has come accross it or knows much about it.

I have a 6.5 yr old Golden Labrador, who 6mths ago collapsed from a Ideopathic Pericardial Effusion (fluid in sac around heart).

Up until he collapsed he was a very healthy, outgoing dog. When he collapsed we rushed him straight to the vet, who under ultrasound drained roughly 300ml of fluid from the sac surrounding his heart. He came out of it ok the next day, but then was returned back to the vet 3 days later, and they had to drain another 150ml of fluid. He has had all the blood tests, xrays, ultrasounds, EKG tests, and O2 tests with none of the tests showing any signs of cancer. Allthough the xrays show an increased heart size, but they don't know if it was always that big.

Over the past 6 mths he has made a decent recovery, almost back to around 75% health i'd say.

But, last week he collapsed again 5mins into a walk and was rushed to the vet. This time no fluid was present, but he has very laboured breathing/erratic panting, and seems to have relatively poor circulation. He's content at home resting, but its sad to see such a regularly outgoing labrador just sleeping most of the day.

Anyone come across anything like this or know someone who has? I've now tried a Natural Vet who has perscribed some herbal remedies for blood/circulation, but not sure if its working....

Just though i'd throw it out there.

Thanks.

[puggy_puggy]

Sorry to hear about your boy.

What did they say about his heart this time? Is it enlarged/ damaged?

Problems with the heart can lead to other organs being damaged and shutting down especially the lungs.

[Nekhbet]

is there an abnormality with the heart or possible cardiac muscle damage from the previous episodes?

Was the dog put on any heart medication at all to monitor the fluids in the body? A specialist veterinarian would be a better idea then a normal vet for this, see if you can get a referral.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

is there an abnormality with the heart or possible cardiac muscle damage from the previous episodes?

Was the dog put on any heart medication at all to monitor the fluids in the body? A specialist veterinarian would be a better idea then a normal vet for this, see if you can get a referral.

Agree with Nekhbet. Where do you live? The DOLers on this forum should be able to give you a name to try.

Is there a Labrador health study you can consult? If not in Australia then in the US? Your breeder might know of a "heart guru" in the breed who can put you in touch with other people dealing with the problem. If not, I would Google for it.