Cavalier Diagnosed With Heart Failure

[Gretel]

Oh dear I am sorry she is not doing better. My other girl was on Vetmedin and Lasix. The vet put her on Fortekor to start with and she didn't respond to it so changed to Vetmedin. I'm afraid she wasn't with me much longer. She was only 8 We had her on another fluid tablet as well towards the end but nothing really helped. The night that she sat up struggling to breath and me crying all night I knew I had to let her go.

My older girl, who was on Fortekor, did well and her murmur didn't alter much over time - I actually had to put her to sleep for another problem.

[Jed]

I was just wondering if anyone else here had had their dogs on Vetmedin and Lasix for heart failure

Our cav had heart failure - not mvd, just simple "heart failure". She was on Vetmedin and either Lasix or frudix, and metacam for her arthritis.

I am not exactly sure, but I think she was on these drugs for 2 or so years. Sorry, forgotten. She finally passed at 14 1/2. I think the drugs helped enormously, and although not as sprightly as in her younger days, she led a happy, fullfilled life until the end. When she began on vetmedin, it was past the experimental stage, but not used as much as it is today, and my vet recommended it as having given better results with her patients than other treatments, although I believe it was more expensive.

I have a 9 1/2 year old girl with a Gr 1 left sided murmur, which I am sure, is MVD, although she has not been scanned. She has a slight cough, is not on meds, and is otherwise quite well. If she has to go on drugs, it will be Vetmedin

It is difficult to know what the course will be, but I am sure the drugs did help. Not cheap, unfortunately.

[Anthea-M]

Hi :-) I am new here - I found this forum and discussion when searching for Aminyllin because my beautiful 12 year old pekingese has suddenly developed a heart problem... I say suddenly because only a couple of months ago the Vet said his heart was sound - no problem with it at all then.... Anyway - my Freddy has been having seizures since about December last year and has been on Phenobarb (1/2 tablet twice a day) and then early this morning he had a horrible seizure - a bit different to what he had done before - they always start with big hacking horrible coughs... he has also been very laboured with his breathing just lately... so I went straight to the Vet who has given me these Aminyllin tablet to give him as well (1 tablet twice a day) and I have been reading that its not recommended for (people) who have or have had seqizures and in the pet tablets advice it did say that a (rare) complication or side effect can be seizures... I don't know what to do now... I'm scared to give it to him and scared not to... any advice or help would be so appreciated - this dear little dog is so special.... thank you ... Anthea

[Erny]

Hi Anthea - I'm really sorry to hear about the health troubles you are having with your dog. It is really tough for us dog-owners when our dogs are sick.

I can't help you with your question I'm afraid ...... but if I had the concerns you have I'd probably go for a second opinion - and probably through a specialist (has your Vet referred you at all?). I know it means more money, but for peace of mind sake that you're doing all the right things you can do, can be well worth it.