UPDATE ON CANDY - Need help please ASAP?
 

Candy is not good. she seems to improve for a day or so and then she goes backwards again. Her breathing is really fast and her heartbeat is fast. Her whole body is moving with it. She cannot get comfortable anywhere and keeps moving about. she is weak. not eating (I am feeding A/D through a syringe) Her little stomach is so bloated with fluid and it is obviously making her really uncomfortable. The vet tells me that this is normal for Congestive heart failure. she apparently has all the symptoms.

He has put her on Vetmedin 1.25mg. half twice per day.
Also Prilactone 10mg . Half tablet twice per day.

She is so so sad and keeps looking at me asking for help. I really did expect more after her going on Vetmedin but that has not happened. The vet tells me that I am expecting to much too soon but reading different things about Vetmedin on the internet it appears to work quite quickly. why not for Candy?

Please help me I just dont know what to do. Should the Vetmedin be working by now as this is day 6?

Please help with your valued advise?

Many thanks

Katie

Drigs work differently on dogs, as they do on people. Some just repond quicker than others. Have you seen a specialist over the pond? How old is your dog? I wish you and the dog the best.

Have you tried a second opinion from a different vet. I know I do if I'm uncomfortable with what the vet tells me. I've done it many times. Has the vet suggested keeping her in the animal hospital where they can take care of her? Sometimes it's really hard to treat the puppy at home.

candy update
 

Candy is 14 and was being treated for a collapsing Trachea. This is the third vet and the only one who has diagnosed congestive heart failure. We thought we had found the right one.

Katie

I think I would get her into see a vet asap, either ER or a different vet. A cardiologist might be best, but I wouldn't wait for an appointment.... keeping her in my prayers....

This is the third vet and the only one that wanted to treat her for congestive heart failure. I spoke to him and told him how she is and he said that it is to be expected and that she will have to go back to come forward.
She is due back to the vet on Friday morning.

Katie

I know when my pom had CHF they gave her something thru an IV to get the fluids off her and then put her on meds daily. She did really well for about a year, but she also had Cushing's and liver disease. I would see if the vet can't find a way to get the fluid off her faster and make her more comfortable. I hope she shows improvement soon.

Is she taking any meds for the CT?

Yes, the internist that Opal, my IG, sees did the same thing. Opal had an episode where the fluid in her lungs built up. He explained that the fluid could build up rapidly. She had to spend the night in the oxygen cage and get IV meds to get rid of the fluid. I was told that if her resting respirations were over 30/min while sleeping or almost sleeping, to give her a lasix, also called furosemide, and to get her in right away or to an emergency clinic.

It sounds as though Candy needs help with the fluid that is built up. I have heard that for the fluid in the abdomen, the vet can use a syringe to remove some of it. Opal's Dr also explained that the IV lasix is more effective than the pills and before the episode, she was getting one 12.5mg furosemide in the am and 1/2 in the pm. Now she is getting the 12.5 mg three times a day. :( Also, if that didn\'t work, we could try a combination of the pills and IV or subq.

I hope the vetmedin starts to work, but I really think she needs some help with the fluid in the meantime.

Please keep us updated on how Candy is doing. I truly hope she perks up. I know what you are going through and it\'s tough at times. Hopefully this is just a short term crisis that you\'ll get past.

Katie,

Opal is also taking Enalipril. The best explanation I\'ve found of it is

"As per the FDA information, Enalapril Maleate belongs to the group of medications known as ACE inhibitors. It relaxes the blood vessels and widens them for easier blood flow. Lowering of blood pressure reduces the pressure of arteries and lessens the damage to heart and kidneys."

She is also getting the furosemide, which is the diuretic, and digoxin, for a slightly irregular heart rhythm.

I lost my little baby Candy at 1 am this morning. it was obvious that her little body just could not cope with it anymore. She died in my arms.

Thanks to you all for your help and advise.

Katie x

I\'m so sorry Katie for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. Your Candy is now at Rainbow Bridge and until you meet again, she will be watching over you.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss, you did everything you could for her, she is free now and running strong at the bridge....RIP CANDY