4 y.o Yorkie diagnosed with Early Cardiac Insufficiency
 

Hi all. I'm new to this forum and would welcome some positive stories!! My beloved Yorkie has just been diagnosed (yesterday)with "early cardiac insufficiency" at 4 years old. I'm assuming the vet meant - early cardiac failure He had symptoms of tiredness, occasional coughing, pain when I would lift him up ( secondary to abdominal fluid retention) He is on day 2 of a diuretic, already he is getting more lively. However, I am devastated, I would absolutely love another few years with this beautiful companion. Has anyone experienced this diagnosis at such a young age with their Yorkie? Or any good stories about your Yorkie (whatever their age) with this diagnosis? I am trying to improve his diet and ensure a small amount of gentle exercise is done. Any other good tips? The vet suggested that this diuretic should help him and he may not need the meds full-term. I don't mind paying any money for vet/medication, I'm hoping for a relatively good prognosis!! Praying for a miracle xx 😢

Sorry you are having to deal with this. I think you might get more response posting on the sick and injured thread,

Bless your heart....this is so devastating.....

Are you taking this baby to either a cardiac specialist or a vet school? If not, please reconsider....this would provide you the very best outcomes in the treatment for your baby.

Have you taken out insurance on this baby as of yet? Unfortunately, you have already received a diagnosis on this baby....I dont think this diagnosis/treatment would be covered, but as a breeder, I am not allowed to have insurance...go figure....I am sure other people with ill babies will respond to your post, people with more experience with pet insurance.

One of my pups had a ruptured tendon in her heart, one of the little leaflets that opens and closes the valves between chambers in the heart.....she survived this major event, and with medication and monitoring by a competent cardiologist, she lived another 9 years, comfortably and pain free....she did not have the vitality/energy to incessantly run up and down the fence in 100*+ Texas summer heat, chasing birds and squirrels that used to "play" with her, but she did not forfeit very much of her activity level in order to live with this condition....lower tolerance to the horrible heat here in Texas....but she was happy and not suffering in any way...and we were eventually able to stop giving her one of the meds she was on....

Good luck with your precious baby...with correct diagnosis and progressive, current, knowledgable medical care, your baby will do well....

Does he have a murmur? What testing was done to decide that he had early cardiac insufficiency? Many small breed dogs have valvular disease - usually a murmur is picked up -- and these dogs can live long lives. I would be seeing a veterinary cardiologist or if you don't have one available then a veterinary internist. I would probably want them to do an echocardiogram to see what's really going on.