Anyone have a yorkie with heart problems..low sodium diet - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

107barney · 12-09-2011, 10:21 PM

I agree with the others. You need to talk to a veterinary nutritionist who is experienced in treating animals with cardiac problems. I personally use Dr. Rebecca Remillard for home cooked food options. She is at North Carolina State University now. I also know that Dr. Lisa Freedman at Tuft's university in Boston has an interest in cardiac issues so she might be the best nutritionist for you to talk to. Here is a link to her profile
Faculty and Research : Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

107barney · 12-09-2011, 10:25 PM

I should have also posted the contact information for Dr. Freeman at Tuft's.
Nutritional modulation of cardiac disease is indeed her research focus. Here is the contact info for the service if you choose to make an appointment to have her create a diet for your dog.

Make an Appointment with the Clinical Nutrition Service — Foster Hospital for Small Animals

Connie · 12-09-2011, 11:01 PM

Oh no, Susan! I am so sad to hear this about your precious Gabe. As if you haven't had enough heartache to deal with this year and then get news like this. I'll be praying for darling little Gabe. Hugs to you and Bob! I wish I had some advice, but I know nothing about that.

ladyjane · 12-10-2011, 01:04 AM

Follow your instincts here...if he does not look right, I would get Gabe in for a check on his lab work ASAP. Often when they take Lasix it can lead to problems with the kidneys.

Here is a link that explains it well:

Congestive Heart Failure Your Dog - CHF And The Mitral Valve

My lil friend · 12-10-2011, 08:59 AM

Diuretics like lasix can leach potassium out of the system,it also makes the kidneys work overtime,that fluid has to leave somehow.
You may need bloodwork to make sure that his liver and kidneys are ok and to check the potassium levels ,,to high or to low.

Remember he is not a well boy and may need extra rest.

TeddyBearC · 12-14-2011, 07:58 PM

My Teddie was diagnosed with pneumonia last May and the vet said he had an enlarged heart. I took him to a specialist to said that the heart was not enlarged. The first vet said it was enlarged based on the amount of ribs it spanned in the x-rays. The 2nd vet said that's not the best way to make this diagnosis and he did another calculate that determined he was fine. I guess he is because he just sailed through anesthesia and I was so worried that he'd have a problem. Do you have another vet you could have check Gabriel out? Hopefully, it's the lasix that's making him sick and he doesn't need it. I'd try for a second opinion. I'll be praying for him that he gets better. Please let us know how he's doing. My heart breaks for you.

ladyjane · 12-14-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeddyBearC

My Teddie was diagnosed with pneumonia last May and the vet said he had an enlarged heart. I took him to a specialist to said that the heart was not enlarged. The first vet said it was enlarged based on the amount of ribs it spanned in the x-rays. The 2nd vet said that's not the best way to make this diagnosis and he did another calculate that determined he was fine. I guess he is because he just sailed through anesthesia and I was so worried that he'd have a problem. Do you have another vet you could have check Gabriel out? Hopefully, it's the lasix that's making him sick and he doesn't need it. I'd try for a second opinion. I'll be praying for him that he gets better. Please let us know how he's doing. My heart breaks for you.

The lasix was prescribed for the fluid, not for an enlarged heart.

TeddyBearC · 12-15-2011, 06:14 AM

Wow Susan! What great comments you got to help you with Gabe. Hope he is feeling some better today, and that you find the assistance you need through one of the comments posted.

yorkieusa · 12-15-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobnsusan

The vet put Gabe on lasix for 3 days a double dose and than a single dose a day. The thing is he was suppose to feel better from what I was told. Its onlt the second full day and he is not looking good. His eyes are off and he seems more tired. Not coughing at all which is suppose to get worse as his heart fails. He just is sluggish and he does not want to be held which is very unusual for him. I just expected him to get better not seem worse. I have had only 2 hours sleep I just want to hold him and pray for him. I have see the healing power of God so I know he can heal Gabe. Its so hard when they are ill.

I was looking for an update. I hope there has been some improvement this week. My heart goes out to you.

12-09-2011, 10:21 PM	#16
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I agree with the others. You need to talk to a veterinary nutritionist who is experienced in treating animals with cardiac problems. I personally use Dr. Rebecca Remillard for home cooked food options. She is at North Carolina State University now. I also know that Dr. Lisa Freedman at Tuft's university in Boston has an interest in cardiac issues so she might be the best nutritionist for you to talk to. Here is a link to her profile Faculty and Research : Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

12-09-2011, 10:25 PM	#17
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I should have also posted the contact information for Dr. Freeman at Tuft's. Nutritional modulation of cardiac disease is indeed her research focus. Here is the contact info for the service if you choose to make an appointment to have her create a diet for your dog. Make an Appointment with the Clinical Nutrition Service — Foster Hospital for Small Animals __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

12-09-2011, 11:01 PM	#18
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	Oh no, Susan! I am so sad to hear this about your precious Gabe. As if you haven't had enough heartache to deal with this year and then get news like this. I'll be praying for darling little Gabe. Hugs to you and Bob! I wish I had some advice, but I know nothing about that. __________________ Custom doggie dresses and vests Memory is a country where I can go to see your face - but where do I go when I miss your embrace?

12-10-2011, 01:04 AM	#19
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	Follow your instincts here...if he does not look right, I would get Gabe in for a check on his lab work ASAP. Often when they take Lasix it can lead to problems with the kidneys. Here is a link that explains it well: Congestive Heart Failure Your Dog - CHF And The Mitral Valve __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

12-10-2011, 08:59 AM	#20
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	Diuretics like lasix can leach potassium out of the system,it also makes the kidneys work overtime,that fluid has to leave somehow. You may need bloodwork to make sure that his liver and kidneys are ok and to check the potassium levels ,,to high or to low. Remember he is not a well boy and may need extra rest.

12-14-2011, 07:58 PM	#21
TeddyBearC YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Port Richey, FL, Pasco Posts: 5	My Teddie was diagnosed with pneumonia last May and the vet said he had an enlarged heart. I took him to a specialist to said that the heart was not enlarged. The first vet said it was enlarged based on the amount of ribs it spanned in the x-rays. The 2nd vet said that's not the best way to make this diagnosis and he did another calculate that determined he was fine. I guess he is because he just sailed through anesthesia and I was so worried that he'd have a problem. Do you have another vet you could have check Gabriel out? Hopefully, it's the lasix that's making him sick and he doesn't need it. I'd try for a second opinion. I'll be praying for him that he gets better. Please let us know how he's doing. My heart breaks for you.

12-15-2011, 06:14 AM	#23
TeddyBearC YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Port Richey, FL, Pasco Posts: 5	Wow Susan! What great comments you got to help you with Gabe. Hope he is feeling some better today, and that you find the assistance you need through one of the comments posted.