Not sure this will be any help, but I can at least sympathize with you. My Bella has gone through something very similar. We initially noticed Bella struggling to breathe at home and took her to vet and they did an x-ray and kept her because they couldn't even see her heart due to fluid. Her Albumin/Protein levels were dangerously low as well. They thought it might be CF. She was there a week and then was sent home with Lasix. A few days passed and once again my baby was struggling to breathe, so back I go to the vet and their baffled. They said maybe Congestive Heart Failure, but they aren't specialist. I was sent to Anniston Animal Hospital that night and Bella was put into ICU. They phoned me the following day and said her heart was ok, but they were thinking PLE/ lymphangiectasia, but couldn't confirm w/o surgery. I asked if the treatment would be the same if they didn't do the surgery, so I chose to treat her instead of invasive surgery that would only confirm PLE. On discharge her Vet said she would probably always be on Prednisone. I came home with so much medication to give her I was overwhelmed a little. That was in September I believe of last year and now the same thing has happened again. She saw an on call vet at our local animal hospital and he seemed to not really think it was PLE w\o surgical confirmation, but gave no other diagnosis for us to consider. He drew 15 cc's of fluid out of her chest cavity and she is still struggling. I pray you find the answer you are looking for. PLE is an autoimmune disease that can't be cured, but can be treated with Prednisone , b12 injections, lasix if needed, or that's what we've been doing. My heart goes out to you and your angel. Best Wishes |