Unfortunately, its a chronic condition. However, it can be managed enough to keep your dog comfortable. DCM is generally treated with a combination of diuretics (Furosemide/Lasix, Spironolactone), vasodialators (Enalapril) and Vetmedin to regulate the heart action and help it beat more strongly.

The first three are fairly cheap -- they are usually on the $10 thing most stores do now. The Vetmedin is a bit pricy. From the vet, it's around $2/pill. You can get it for $1.15/pill at KV Vet supply. An 85# dog is usually dosed with four of those a day.

Supplimenting with taurine and carnitine as well as fish oil has also had positive results.

Sorry about Rose, Chip.

I had an old gal that had CHF. Sarah Morris had known a few dogs that had used Vetmedin and suggested it to us.

I asked my vet and he had not heard of it, but said he would look into it for us.

Now that is his "go to" CHF med. He even switched some of his clients to it that had already been taking one of the other meds. He has really liked the results he has seen.

We only used Vetmedin, so I personally have nothing else to compare it to except what she was like without it. It definitely helped, but with her old age she was still limited.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.:smile:

Chip, just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and Rose, I sure hope that the meds will be of great help to her and help her live a good long life!

I know it is hard, I feel for you. I know when my 2 year old GSD was diagnosed with FCE, it was a tough blow that really hurts deep.
But,we just have to pull ourselves up, and do the very best we can for our dogs.

Life can throw some pretty tough punches at us, but we can rise to the occasion so to speak.
My Kaia has taught me much about perseverance, and that she lives with the changes without any complaints!

Be strong for Rose, she loves you and will look to you for that positive leadership and I promise you Rose will benefit greatly from your positive state of mind, even if inside, you are sad,
don't let her see this.
Connie helped me immensely when Kaia was diagnosed. It really helps so much to give your dog the best attitude you can.
One other thing that Connie said, and it meant the world.
I say this to you now; We are with you!
Hugs to you Chip and healing wishes for Rose!

Has Rose been for her u/s and how is she?

Yes, what's happened, how is Rose?

Thanks folks, and Joyce; that made my eyes tear. I can't thank you sincerely enough. It's amazing how much you can love a dog. I suppose anyone on these forums understands this -but damn, it can be so profound. When the alarm clock goes off and I'm thinking "oh, can't I have one more hour to sleep?" I hear the thud of her wagging tail in her crate every single morning. Shakespeare couldn't put that feeling into words.


I have the appointment for 5 PM tomorrow. Sunday is the only day my pet shop is closed, and my Mom and only other employee have both been out of town. Talk about timing! And this week has been as hectic as I've dealt with since opening the store.

I definitely haven't been coming home as upbeat and positive as I should! Add to that, I was supposed to keep Hank, my Mom's 19? month old pup while she was out of town and couldn't (no way to have him and keep Rose from being stimulated). But the procedure is late tomorrow, and I'm *hoping* I have some answers. I don't know how much the tech will tell me, though. I never thought to ask whether the cardiologist is reading it live or I'll wait for a report. Either way, I'll let you know and thanks, so much for your thoughts and sentiments.



Edited by Chip Bridges (08/07/2010 08:53 PM)
Edit reason: missed a spacebar

Echocardiograms and sonigrams are real-time instruments. You shouldn't have to wait.

Hoping for the best.

When my dog goes in for an U/S the whole thing takes 45 min- 1 hr. They take her in and do the U/S, bring her back and the vet who does the U/S is back with me 10-15 minutes after that to show me what they've found and explain what it all means.

I sure this varies from vet to vet, but this is just my experience. I wish you all the best and hope that whatever the vet finds is treatable so you and Rose have many happy years ahead!

 Quote: Charlie Snyder

Echocardiograms and sonigrams are real-time instruments. You shouldn't have to wait.

Hoping for the best.

A lot of times they're sent to a veterinary cardiologist to be interpreted, which can result in a wait....

Chip, It is amazing how much we come to love the dogs in our lives... My thoughts and prayers and healing vibes coming are coming your way! Waiting for the results is definitely the most difficult part...