Congestive Heart Failure And Lasix

Congestive Heart Failure And Lasix Posts

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Congestive Heart Failure And Lasix Posts in Q&A

congestive heart failure and lasix? my dog is taking lasix for her congestive heart failure and she is having accidents all the time...its like she don't know its happening. It happens mostly when shes asleep but it has happened when shes awake. My vet said don't limit her water so what should I do. I've never had to deal with accidents...I have always had a doggie door and now its happening everywhere in my home and often on my lap. Help I am desperate!!!

LoneWolf replied: "Doggie Diapers might help. If she is bad enough it may be kindest to have the vet put her to sleep. I'm sorry she is having a rough time, you also. Good Luck."

Is there any new medications for dogs with congestive heart failure? 7 yr old, fox terrier was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is on lasix and enalapril. He fills up with fluid and is very uncomfortable! Is there any new meds out there!?

sacmen4fun replied: "Your vet is doing all he/she can. I had a yorki diagnosed with CHF and with those meds lived for 1 more year."

Should we euthanize our 11 year old dog due to congestive heart failure and ascites? We went on a short (one day) vacation over labor day and over the next 3 weeks our dog had began accumulating fluid in his abdomen. We took him to the vet where the doctor gave us Lasix and told us he had congestive heart failure on the right side. After the initial Lasix pre ion ran out, we had it refilled and they also gave us another pre ion to manage the congestive heart failure. Well, the Lasix seemed to help the first time, but the second presciption didn't seem to do as well. We noticed he slowly began to accumulate more fluid. He ran out of the Lasix again and we did not get it refilled (he is still on the other meds). We do not know whether we need to have him euthanized. He seems to be eating fine and not crying out in pain, but is he in pain? We don't want to take him back to the vet since we already spent $800 so far and if we need to have him put down it would cost the vet bill (at least another $100) and the cost with having him put down (up to $160). Any information would help. Thanks!

DawnMarie81 replied: "I am so sorry to hear about your doggy. Sadly, I would say to have it put down. I know it would be a hard thing to do, as I have had to in the past, but in the long run, it is better for the dog. My dog suffered miserably in the end, and I would hate to hear of any other dogs suffering the same way. In the end we must think about what is best for the dog and not for us."

cookiesmom replied: "this is a matter of personal preference but i would ask the vet if he thinks it would be better for the dog or not.....if your vet says that it wouldn't matter and that your pet is just going to deteriorate over a short time then i would say yes......if it would live for a while on its own and be able to have a decent, quality life then no don't do it"

Tracey F replied: "I have many dog clients that are and have been living with congestive heart failure. Without the Lasix-too costly and has actually causes other side effects..ex. liver.. Some have lived for a couple of years with this. The most important thing is to keep them comfortable and out of stressful situations. You may be cheating yourself out of another year or month if you euthanize him. But then again if you see that he is suffering then it is time to take him in and put his little heart to rest. Hard decision to make."

ctmom05 replied: "Have this conversation with your vet. If they are compassionate they are very likely to very likely to offer you ive information on the options. You might even prepare yourself prior to the conversation by writing down your questions and concerns. As the owner of several pets, I know that this is a tremendously difficult position to be in."

Piper P replied: "You did not say what other meds he is on. My precious Max (a 6 pound Maltese) was treated for congestive heart failure for 15 months. His medications included a drug called Vetmedin and we considered it the "Miracle Drug". This drug, in addition to the Lasix and Benazepril helped him to be very comfortable and the fluid was manageable. At times, I did have to adjust the Lasix dosage a bit to compensate for the additional fluid. You might want to talk with your vet. The Lasix and Benazepril are both under the $4 pre ions available at the drug stores. (This was a considerable savings over purchasing them at the vet's office). The Vetmedin can be purchased online for a considerable savings also. Just request that your vet write you a pre ion for them. Just remember, there may still be hope and a lot of good times ahead for your pet."

My dog has congestive heart failure, but he was fine and happy before the diagnosis. Now on Lasix - doing bad My dog was wheezing and hacking, especially when excited, more in the last few weeks.He was happy though - good appetite, long walks, good attitude. I took him to the vet - xray showed enlarged heart and fluid around lungs.He Rx'd lasix and theodur.Now he's unhappy, won't eat, takes short walks.He's worse off than before the vet visit. I want to treat the heart, but can't stand the unhappiness. I stopped the theodur (vet said ok) and only on lasix now, but still unhappy.What do I do? BTW, I blame much of it on my choice of diet for him. I won't be giving him bad quality food that is marketed as good for them (ie, hills, eukanuba, beneful), even vet recommended ones aren't good (vets don't know it all)-cause a host of ailments & allergy. Pls all doggie parents,feed your doggies well. I'm switching to Wellness brand(all natural)-what you can buy at Whole Foods is much better.See this post on better things for doggie: >

Baby Rotty replied: "thats horrible.. i hope your dog is ok. theres really nothing you can do but wait. if you answer my question and read some of the answers you may feel better Hope This Helps!"

oregano13 replied: "Talk to your vet about alternatives to Lasix. As with all medications, some just aren't well tolerated by some individuals. There are other drugs that can be used to treat it, maybe another would be a better choice for your specific dog."

sexy replied: "second opinion ,,and not with anyone in the same vet place i had a 12 year old dog that could hardly move its neck took him to the vet that i always took him to he said hernia disc in neck 3 times we seen him he was in more pain , and he was drugged up, and i asked about x-rays and vet said no he was a vet for 33 years and he knows what was wrong with are dog, well wen to a difference he had x-rays and he had neck cancer and it went to his lynoids and it travel fast yes we had to have him put down, please seek a second opinion"

panache replied: "http://www.cavalierhealth.org/mitral_valve_disease.htm Time for a crash course on chf and a new vet.Lasix treats the chf but does nothing to help with the heart disease it self. When the dog feels better his behavior will reflect it,he may never be up for long walks again.Limiting exercise is called for in advanced heart disease but he can still play. Heart disease is mainly due to genetics but a good diet and good management of the heart disease will add years to his life."

congestive heart failure from retaining water? How do I keep someone with congestive heart failure from retaining water? We follow a low salt diet, take lasix and potassium.

emtd65 replied: "See your cardiologist. Your meds must need to be adjusted."

Lisa replied: "Restrict fluids and follow a NO salt diet. Also see your doctor about a med adjustment and diet recommendations. He might add another diuretic such as spironolactone."

jcurrieii replied: "This is more a question for the physician treating the person with the condition. The problem is, some helpful sort provides you with info and you follow it, you could end-up killing the person you're trying to help. Even if the person telling you how to do it is a board certified MD, since (s)he has not examined the patient, (s)he does not know enough to make a qualified diagnosis or pre ion recommendation. Therefore...see the treating physician to ask this sort of question."

cheruvima replied: "The suggestion to see the doctor who normally treats the patient is the best answer. If there are any medication or dietary changes that need to be made the doctor who knows that particular patient needs to be the one making the changes. Period. And there might well need to be changes made. CHF can worsen over time, so that old medications and dosages don't do as much....That's why doctors study for so long---to know what to do in all conditions of health, or lack thereof. Your first action is to pick up the phone and call the particular patient's doctor, or have the patient him/herself do so , because the doctor will not be at liberty to discuss that person's health with anyone else.... Plus, please remember that many doctors tell many patients all the time to go home and eat a low sodium diet, and many many people have no idea what that means or how to know if they really are eating low sodium. Make sure you get good clear instructions concerning sodium intake, and go every single time the doctor wants to check potassium level, or get blood work done...just call your doctor now."

dcrc93 replied: "some might need a pace maker if they cant keep it off however the medications is the ones they use might need them adjusted"

ralphrepo_01 replied: "Your question: "How do I keep someone with congestive heart failure from retaining water...?" When you say, "how do I..." that is, meaning you? Well, you go to medical school, finish your residency, and do a fellowship in cardiology, become board certified, then examine the patient. Based on your education and experience, you treat the patient accordingly. Reevaluate the patient every few months just in case the condition changed. Failing that, you find a board certified cardiologist, and have him or her examine the patient. Based on his or her education and experience, they will treat the patient accordingly. They will reevaluate the patient every few months just in case the condition changed. I'm not trying to insult you, but rather to make you realize the depth of the question that you're trying to ask. The other respondents are indeed right. You need to bring the patient to a qualified doctor and do all your question asking there. Its one thing to get on the internet and ask about the side effects of medications; its quite another to solicit treatment modalities. That is something that only the patient's doctor is qualified to answer. Good luck. Ralph"

Mark M replied: "This is a great question. The obvious answer is that there are many different types of diuretics out there, not just lasix. So adjusting the meds is a big part of it. Also, low salt and fluid restrictions are going to be high on the list. If you haven't already, please find yourself a heart failure/cardiomyopathy specialist, at least for consultation. General cardiologists get very good at dealing with coronary artery disease, but CHF is not so common for them. I also recommend reading up on diuretics at a couple of favored sites and perhaps joining our cardiomyopathy Yahoo! group. The sites of interest are: "

O replied: "Keep up the little or no salt. Ramen noodles are a death wish! If the lasix is not working very well, there are a TON of other diuretics out there to choose from. Ask your doctor to prescribe something else."

Mike G replied: "Follow a low salt diet, take lasix and potassium."

dbrcymry replied: "My mother, who is 88, recently developed this problem. She was sent to a cardiologist for an evaulation & had a series of tests at the hospital, including a nuclear stress test. For the moment, she is on Lasix, potassium, and an aspirin a day (she refused to take the doctor's first choice, Coumadin). They are still adjusting her levels, and she has to go into the doctor for blood levels. They recommended a pacemaker and she is reluctant to do so, so she goes back to the cardiologist in 6 months to evaluate how she is doing. She was eating a lot of salt, unbeknownst to her, and the doctor has showed her how to read labels, etc. She is making a real effort diet-wise to avoid salt. She is not overweight so she is not on any sort of special diet. She feels much better with the Lasix and her blood pressure has come down also. But there are other medications than Lasix that might be recommended. If you are only seeing an internist, I would suggest a full evaluation by a cardiologist so you know the extent of the problem."

How long can a person last with untreated congestive heart failure? My dad has heart disease, has had angioplasty, then open heart surgery, then a pacer/defibrillator. He's in his early 60's. Last night he couldn't breathe and went to the ER. He was told that he had congestive heart failure and was give Lasix to get the fluid off his heart. The doctor was very concerned and tried to admit my dad, but my dad refused treatment and left. He has his pre ion for the lasix now and is taking it, but he has not taken his blood pressure medicine or his cholesterol medicine in months, and to top it off started smoking again. I'm not sure why.....obviously all those are very stupid things to do. What can we do to get through to him? How long does someone have to last with congestive heart failure? Please, no rude comments, I realize not taking his meds and smokign are pretty stupid.......I want to know what I can say or tell him to make him realize that the rational thing to do is go back to the ER and have himself admitted for further treatment. thank you for the answers. I just called my mom to see if she would try to talk some sense in him, but she doesn't act like she really cares. I mean, he quit smoking for months....and all she did was sit in front of him and continue to smoke and puff away. So I really don't know what else to do =( How could he quit when she is right there smoking in front of him all the time?

Peter E replied: "Not long."

kwhalee replied: "If he takes care of himself, a decade. Maybe more. However, with his sudden change of treatment to no treatment and his pick up of bad habits...it is unlikely it will be more than a year. Maybe 2."

mary p replied: "On the proper heart meds. he can live for a long time...without, 2- 4 days.... Sounds like he is tired..and DONE!! Just lost my father ..same way..let him go out the way he wants...I, for selfish reasons, wanted to keep him alive...HUGS!!!!!"

arelad@btinternet.com replied: "Have you looked at this from your dads point of view? I can mirror all of his symptoms other than having a pacemaker. I went through a phase as he possibly is doing, "To hell with everything and here I go for broke." I went to great detail in organizing my own funeral and the disposal of my ashes, perhaps he is moving this way but so far has only managed to think up to the moment of death. Ask him what he wants after death, When my wife suddenly died I had no idea what she wanted and organized things to the best of my ability. Now my daughter and an old friend, (An undertaker) have a written of what I look for and enough money is stashed away to do it. I would say your dad is searching for something but isn't sure what... talk to him, let him see you are on his side. Tell him from me, he isn't the first to go through this but it is possible to come out feeling OK in the near future. In the last two weeks I have taken an interest in a lady and have started going through some courtship rituals... Two years ago I didn't give myself a month to live... but no one kills thoroughbreds. good luck."

toastyrachel replied: "I know how hard it is to have a parent sick and continuing things that are destructive. But your Dad sounds like he may be rather sick. The blood pressure medicine might be the most important thing to see if you can get him to start taking. The best thing is to suggest things. Like telling your Dad you know some people live very good lives with the problems he has and suggest maybe getting a different cardiac doctor. Ask him if his medicine makes him feel bad. Keep suggesting to your dad that you think he can do better especially if he tries a different doctor. In my opinion doctors are like car mechanics some are good some are not and some can screw up your car. Keep telling your dad that you want him to feel better and see a doctor that he likes and that gives him the plan that has his life improve. Smoking is an addiction and it is not physically as easy for some people as is is for others. Try not to judge your dad-sounds like you are not- then keep suggesting the things you want. Don't tell him what to do there are enough people in his life to do that (doctors) but just keep telling him you think he could do better with a different doctor or different medicine and you want him to be around and feel good."

woman38 replied: "it sounds like he is depressed i cant really estimate how long he will live with untreated CHF try saying "dad I love you and I dont want you do die, please see the doctor to insure that I will have more years of life with you""

Are there any symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure to look for? I know someone who's legs are swollen and bruised beyond being able to explain (going on 7 days). Her DR is out of the country for 2 months and she is refusing to go to the ER. Her local pharmacist even called his personal DR for her. He suggested CHF. She has tried Lasix with no positive outcome. Have you or anyone you know ever experienced this?

rhonda replied: "my father has congestive heart failure. before he has surgery, we noticed that he was tired all the time. he would have shortness of breath, and his energy level had dropped a whole lot. CHF is when the heart doesnt have the strength to push and pump the blood as needed, and it basically just sits there and over time, unseen, it will back up in the lining of the heart and the lungs, causing the lining to become weak. My father has a trac now, and depends on a ventillator. you need to convence your friend to get her rear-end to a doctor soon! tell your friend, until she can get to the dr, slow down her salt intake, and her fluid intake as well. no alcohol what so ever!! Lasix will make a small difference, but not enough. she needs to be checked for diabetes, and blood clots. sounds like pour circulation."

futuredoc replied: "I agree with Rhonda, it sounds like poor circulation to me. If she truly had CHF, she would be tired and short of breath, etc. Are the bruises varicose veins? She should just go to the ER. They can do a simple blood test called a BNP to check for CHF."

Does this sound like congestive heart failure? My 88 year old mother flew into Chicago for a visit from Tampa. Her feet, ankles, legs and stomach were extremely swollen (this is a small woman) and she was more exhausted from the trip than I have ever seen. Finally got her to admit that this has been going on since May, but she has a physical scheduled in Oct & was "waiting". After 4 days of arguing & the swelling continuing, I took her in to my Internist. He said she had edema, her blood pressure was 150/90, & the office EKG was not normal. He put her on Lasix & potassium and it has taken several days, but the swelling has gone way down; she feels 100% better. The blood work was normal & she is scheduled for an echo cardiogram at the local hospital on Monday. She lives with my brother and he is mad that "I am interfering". She does not have diabetes, can do stairs, has very little arthritis, does not smoke, and was fine last Oct, so he thinks I am just making this all up to annoy him. What do you think?

Rayne replied: "Congestive heart failure usually presents with the following symptoms: Severe edema (swelling) Shortness of breath either on exertion or just sitting Pain with breathing Dry cough at night Nausea Palpitations Irregular heart beat Fatigue Just to name a few You did the right thing taking your mom to the Doctor. If she did not see a cardiologist I would recommend one. She should have also had a chest xray. It is good that she is being scheduled for an echo. Who knows what your brother is thinking, but you did the right thing by taking your mom to the doctor."

Becca replied: "For 88 she sounds like she is doing quite well. CHF is a condition that sometimes comes with old age. But you can live with it. It sounds like the doctor is doing what needs to be done and the right steps. Goggle CHF and learn about it. It sounds like you are quite emotional over this and knowledge is power and comforting. Best Wishes!!"

gangadharan_nair replied: "Your mother has got Stage 1 hypertension. She may have hypertensive heart disease or congestive heart disease. Foot swelling (pitted edema) indicates that pumping of the heart is not satisfactory. This will affect the kidneys also. Heart failure is a syndrome of ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular failure causes shortness of breath and fatigue, and right ventricular failure causes peripheral and abdominal fluid accumulation; both ventricles are usually involved to some extent. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by chest x-ray and echocardiography. Treatment includes diuretics, ACE inhibitors, -blockers, and correction of the underlying disorder. Please note that I am not a medical professional."

Mark M replied: "Yes, it *sounds* like heart failure, and they are doing the right thing by getting an echocardiogram to check her heart's functioning. (It's the standard way of screening for heart failure.) You didn't say what wasn't normal about her EKG. If she has a left bundle branch block (LBBB) that's another indication that she *may* have heart failure. They measure this with what is called the QRS interval on the EKG. An LBBB is a delay in the electrical path to the left ventricle (the big pump). On the other hand, she may have atrial fibrilation (cause for more concern) or just some relatively benign palpitations... All of this may have been caused by simply being low on potassium. Or she may be in heart failure. It's tough to say without knowing more about the EKG and getting the echo results. For more reading on heart failure, I strongly recommend chfpatients.com. The long term prognosis is nowhere near as bad as it used to be, given the advent of beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. (These will also bring her BP down, which is probably a good thing.) As to your brother's position on your "interference", it sounds like his heart isn't into taking care of your mother. You obviously didn't take her in to annoy him, and I'm sure he'll get over it."

8 year old chihuahua with congestive heart failure My chihuahua was diagnosed with congestive heart failure about 1 year and a half ago. Right now its gotten to the point where he has to take 3 1/4 lasix, 2 vetmedin, 2 enapril, 2 spironolactone a day. That's so many pills a day and its so heart breaking to still see the symptoms getting worst. I am completely devastated. He's like my little angel and I love him so much. But he coughs almost all night despite medication, I can't take seeing him getting worst. I wish there was more I could do. I've been praying a lot but I guess God knows best why things happen. I thought of putting him to sleep as sad as it makes me. I don't know how I am going to get through this. If he dies naturally would it be horrible? I just have to convince my family of the possibilities of putting him to sleep. Despite him being really sick, he still get happy and has a big appetite. Then how do I know when is the right time?

Kady G replied: "I am so sorry, i could not imagine losing my puppy, And I think the time is right when your doggy is in pain every second and cant move and there is no chance of recovery"

My Grandfather has Congestive Heart Failure and He is 87 yrs old, What are the Stages of His CHF? He Takes Lasix for water, and his Eye Lid has water, and his legs are swollen and Seems Distorted at times "mentally" Always Sleeps, and starting to cough alot?... I just need to know the next few stages. I'm the only one that takes care of him. thank you

c_schumacker replied: "The stages of heart failure have to do with function rather than leg swelling, etc. Roughly according to the NYHA Stage 1 - no symptoms Stage 2 - shortness of breath with activity Stage 3 - shortness of breath with very mild or brief activity Stage 4 - shortness of breath at rest The mental changes could be due to several things but may be due to inadequate oxygen level in the blood (hypoxia). He may simply need his oxygen turned up or to get rid of some fluid. Also to keep track of his weight every day (same time every day and write it down) - not because you are worried about his diet - rather because he can retain too much fluid which prevents him from breathing very well. If he adds 2-3 pounds in a single 24 hour period, you should call his physician for direction on increasing his water pill (lasix). I hope this helps. Good luck."