Congestive heart failure
 

Hello. I am new to this forum. I have a yorkie (who is of course my precious baby) that will be 15 in October. He has never had any health problems up until about a month ago (besides the yeast in his skin). He is on Lasix and Enalapril for is heart now after seeing a cardiologist. This has helped. The issue I have is that he use to get at least two bathes a week due to the yeast and flaking of his skin. I use Malasab shampoo which is suppose to sit on him atleast 15 min. Now I stay by the bath tub and pet him and let it stay on about 10 min to help him not get scared and help his heart rate not go up. The issue is he can't stand his face being wet or messed with so when he gets out he rubs his face until he is almost completely dry. This makes his heart race and I worry. He can't go without bathes due to the yeast which requires more bathes. I have just started using the Douxo Chlorhexidian spray on him again for between bathes and I was thinking about getting that same thing in the pads to wipe his ears. My question is this - does anyone have this same problem and is there anything else I can try? A longer lasting shampoo or should I stick with the Malasab? A better spray or something in between? All natural treats that may help the yeast in his skin? I am desperate! Thanks in advance!


Kristi

I have a dog that's been using Maleseb for years. I would stick with it if it works well.

It will be OK
 

My Shaina a 5lb Chi mix was diagnosed at 12.5 with Congestive Heart Failure. She was on Lasix, Enalapril, Vetmedin. She was a nervous thing, always shaking and timid. Her heart would beat fast too. She lived almost two years after the diagnosis. Keep doing what you are doing.....Good to be aware. I never even thought of her heart beating faster would hurt her.

Also, good that you pup is under the care of a cardiologist. Put a call in to the vet. Shaina's cardiologist was always happy to answer any questions I had.

Attachment 405164 Shaina as a puppy.

My husband and I just fell in love with your Shaina. She was beautiful.

One of my Yorkies, Kiwi, had congestive heart failure due to mitral valve prolapse. Her little sister, Gracie, had heart issues due to a severely collapsing trachea. I understand your fear of her heart beating faster. Baths always scared me. I don't know if your little boy would tolerate it, but I blow dry my little girl's hair. Katie still will rub to dry it more, but it cuts down on how much she rubs her face. I don't know much about allergy shampoos. Years ago, one of my Yorkies, Ashley,needed Chloehexidrine, but I don't think that's made anymore. Kiwi took Lasix, and she was on Enalapril for a very short time, but it affected her kidneys, and we had to stop. Ashley didn't have CHF, but she had an enlarged heart most likely due to tracheal issues. Her echocardiogram showed her heart was within normal limits. A small dose of Enalapril caused no issues for her, and she lived to a month shy of 17. With the new medications today, like Vetmedin, dogs with CHF can live much longer. My dear friend's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel had terrible CHF. The cardiologist thought she had only weeks to live, but she lived another two years. That breed is known for their heart problems.

I know I mentioned a few dogs, and it might be confusing. I hope it gives you a ray of hope. My prayers are with you and your little boy.