Dog Health Question

[K9Lover]

Hey everyone... quick question:
My beloved dog Sandy is starting to have health problems. She has had a heart murmur for years, but recently she has developed a bad cough which indicates congestive heart failure. Is this something that can get better, or should I start accepting the fact that we're heading down hill and just spoil the hell out of her and not waste money going back and forth to the vet? I always say I'd sell a kidney to keep her alive, but I know sometimes no amount of money can help. :upset: She's 14 years old and I've had her for 12 of those.

[Phin]

Dog Health Question

I don't know if it can get better, I hope she does though. Thinking of you both

[Hippyman]

Dog Health Question

:l :l :l Winkie she is getting up in years. Love her and know that someday she will have to go back home to spirit. For now the only thing that comes to mind that might help her be more comfortable is one of the Bach Flower remedies. Ask at your heath food store or research on line to find the right one. I know that a day will come when my girls will leave me too but they will truly always be in my heart! Blessings to you and her...Your friend, Happy Hippy :l

[Hippyman]

Dog Health Question

Anxiety & Flower Essence Therapy Here's a link that might help. The Original Bach Flower Remedies - www.BachFlower.com

[Sunbeam]

Dog Health Question

For a dog of this age I would explore all medications, supplements, etc. but no specialists or surgeries. Your dog's comfort is the most important thing.

[kuya]

Dog Health Question

I have just PMed you

[nicelife]

Dog Health Question

:l Your love plan sounds like the way to go K9....

[aihflvt]

Dog Health Question

K9 - this might sound off the wall, but have you tried alternative therapies. My CPA had an aging poodle with crippling arthritis, and after tons of $$$ on surgery and traditional veterinary medical treatments, she took him to a vet that specializes in alternative therapies (he still has a DVM degree) and did some sort of sound therapy that completely healed him in just a few sessions. Might be worth looking into.

[New Day]

Dog Health Question

Hi K9..... I had an dog with the same problem at 13 years of age. She would cough a weird cough and my vet advised me that when it got to the point it was prolonged, it was time. You don't want to have it go on and on, because she is suffocating .... And that's a horrible way to go. Better to err on the humane side and not let her suffer needlessly. You will know when the time is right.
My heart goes out to you as it is so hard to say goodbye.
Hugs to you!

[Alcoholic]

Dog Health Question

Does she cough up anything or is it dry? I'm not a vet or anything, just wondering. Any fever, confusion, lethargy, running nose? Are these stupid questions? Does she take any blood pressure meds ?

[Wildflowers]

Dog Health Question

I'm so sorry hun!!!...

I'm afraid you should probably take her to the Vet for at least an initial exam & maybe an x-ray. I know Vet care has skyrocket over the last few yrs. I hope it's just a cold or flu. If vaccinated her symptoms should be more mild. If it's something more, only a proper exam will diagnose. Just let them know your not going to be making numerous trips, diagnostic tests, as you have not long ago went thru this with your other sweet baby. Let alone Sandy's age & current health history...

I've been there. Just had a good cry last week about my dog... I spent so much money, I didn't have... Gabapentin helped my baby boy until it was time...:upset:

I'm so sorry for all of you & hope it's not serious!!!... :l :h

[rednose]

Dog Health Question

K9Lover;1453770 wrote: Hey everyone... quick question:
My beloved dog Sandy is starting to have health problems. She has had a heart murmur for years, but recently she has developed a bad cough which indicates congestive heart failure. Is this something that can get better, or should I start accepting the fact that we're heading down hill and just spoil the hell out of her and not waste money going back and forth to the vet? I always say I'd sell a kidney to keep her alive, but I know sometimes no amount of money can help. :upset: She's 14 years old and I've had her for 12 of those.

K9 Lover. So sad to hear about your dog. I lived with a vet for 8 years and know quite a bit about all of this. Once the congestive heart failure starts there is not much that can be done other than medication. Are you sure it is her heart and not her lungs??
I had a Rottweiler for 13 years. she got Lymphoma at 11 and I was able to keep her alive with chemo and drugs and she had a good life up until the day I had to put her down.
I would go talk to your vet and make sure that it is what you think it is.
It is so hard to let go of those pets that have given us so much love over the years.

Hope this was some help.

rednose (

[rednose]

Dog Health Question

This Helped me when I had to let go.

PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
It's better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
I've been so ill,
so it's not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad,
I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.

Thank you for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now is the time to say goodbye
Put me to rest.


Damn I am crying like a litte baby right now.....

[mama bear]

Dog Health Question

Beloved friend K9
I don't have any doggie advice but my heart breaks for you

[DriftyAlison0]

Dog Health Question

CHF can not be reversed, however treatment can help her out with the syptoms so I would talk to the vet and set up a plan. Coughing is a sign, however do make a visit with the vet to make sure it is CHF and then like I said before, set up a plan.