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I'm wondering if I should bring my dog to the vet tonight and say goodbye.

She was taken to the vet earlier today due to shortness of breath and was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), but it was a little less severe at the time. The surprising part is that the young veterinarian just prescribed a diuretic and told us come back in 2 weeks if things don't get significantly better.

The situation just seems more severe. She hasn't been able to sleep or eat and is holding her head up constantly, trying to get enough air. Not very fun to have to watch your dog go through this. I suppose I'll wait until morning in case the medication does anything, but I really don't want her to suffer more than necessary.

Any thoughts?

lila
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Joel M
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1 Answers1

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It sounds as though your dog is in severe respiratory distress; less than 40 breaths per minute at rest is normal.

She does need to see a veterinarian again as soon as possible. From what you say the diuretic is having little effect.

Lasix (furosemide) is quite a safe drug in the sense that quite high doses can be given in the short term. If you cannot go to a veterinarian immediately you can increase the furosemide dose to provide comfort. You can give up to 6 mg/kg by mouth every 8 hours (Plumbs). I would be hesitant to go much higher without evaluating the dog. Smaller doses more frequently are also fine, but it sounds as though she is not responding to the smaller doses.

Nobody on here can tell you whether it might be your dog's time, that is a decision you have to make between you and your vet. If the diagnosis is definitely CHF and she is not responding to diuretics, then short of hospitalization with oxygen therapy, thoracocentesis (removal of fluid from chest) and full cardiac workup there is little that can be done to keep her comfortable. It will be a difficult decision to make, but your veterinarian should be able to provide you with an idea of prognosis based on your dog's history and clinical exam.

Harry V.
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