Rose, my ABD has always worked herself too hard, and sometimes to the point of exhaustion and labored breathing. This summer has been much worse than usual, though. The breathing was getting hoarse after a short period of strenuous activity, and the "cool down" time was taking hours instead of 10-15 minutes. My vet suggested tracheal issues and wanted to take a peek down her throat.

When I brought her in for her exam, she was already panting just from excitement. She was sedated with an intramuscular, but wouldn't stay down. So she was then given propophol (sp?), and the throat scope check turned up nothing unusual. So I opted for X-rays. When those came back, she had some congestion in the lungs, and an enlarged heart on the right side. It was given an 11.7 score. I have to take her for an ultrasound (which no one in my town does), and give her 4 ML of 100mg Aminophylline twice daily, and the hardest part NO exercise! No fetch, no springpole, no bike rides, no frisbee... I was told that she could die by the end of summer without treatment if she works like she has been. This is a dog that has already run laps in the yard when just let out to relieve herself. So now that is even on lead. This is up there with the toughest dog issues I've ever dealt with. I have a Jack Russel terrier in an 86 pound body and have to keep her calm...

I'm mostly venting here, but if anyone has experience with an issue like this (or veterinary experience), I'd love your input. I love this dog more than any I've ever had, she's a constant part of my life, and it breaks my heart to deny her what she loves most. Hopefully the ultrasound will bring better news. Fingers crossed.

I'm so sorry about this.

I'm not a health professional, so nothing I am posting is anything more than opinion.

The right side of the heart receives blood from the rest of the body, and pumps it to the lungs.

A very common cause of an enlarged heart in a dog is valve insufficiency/malfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy.

You may see some immediate relief from the wheezing, etc., from the bronchodilator you are giving. I think that aminophylline is also a diuretic, so it would also help to relieve some of that congestion.

When do you have the ultrasound scheduled? Do you want some material that explains the most common causes of canine CHF?

Are you planning to do some "brain work" with her to help drain off a little frustrated energy while you are waiting for the ultrasound?

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I'm so sorry about this.

I'm not a health professional, so nothing I am posting is anything more than opinion.

The right side of the heart receives blood from the rest of the body, and pumps it to the lungs.

A very common cause of an enlarged heart in a dog is valve insufficiency/malfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy.

You may see some immediate relief from the wheezing, etc., from the bronchodilator you are giving. I think that aminophylline is also a diuretic, so it would also help to relieve some of that congestion.

When do you have the ultrasound scheduled? Do you want some material that explains the most common causes of canine CHF?

Thank you so much, Connie. I'd love any information i can get my hands on. I was online for 6 hours last night and and learned some, but so much was physiologically/anatomically out of my league. I have to call tomorrow to Johnston City, Tn, to schedule the ultrasound.
As for the first question, I'm bringing her some Premier connective puzzles that drop food treats tomorrow.

Good luck Chip. I hope it all goes well for you and Rose.

http://www.2ndchance.info/conghtfaildog.htm

and

http://www.2ndchance.info/dogdilcardiomyopathy.htm
"To confirm suspicions, the veterinarian will obtain chest x-rays or a cardiac ultrasound image."


The puzzle/toys sound perfect!

Major bummer.

There's not much more difficult than having to keep an active dog quiet.

I hope you get the best possible news from the ultrasound (I know nothing of this health issue), and that good news will be in your dog's future.

Sorry about Rose, Chip. Good luck!

Careful with those puzzles - if she can shred a black Kong she can shred pretty much any toy.

Chip, I'm sorry to read this. Keep us posted...sending healing thoughts Rose's way...

Chip,

I'm so sorry to hear about this . Connie brings up a good point about using the brain to tire the body. I've been working on that with Thor. He is a senior dog that plays like a pup and keeps injuring himself so I took him to a trainer for some pointers on mental activities which include controlled physical movements. It has really helped.

When you get more information on Rose's situation let me know if you are interested in some of the things I've been doing with Thor.

I'm hoping for a good outcome for you.