Heart Issues

[freckledimple]

My baby Oscar(Chihuahua) has become an old man He started coughing a couple weeks ago. It was just an occaisional cough, and it started when a front came through; so, I thought it was just allergies; he IS a Chihuahua. It started to get more frequent and harder, so I called my vet. It was Friday and he couldn't see him until Monday. I live in a small town with only one vet, and he has to make a lot of farm calls. Well, he got to the vet today and was examined. It turns out he has heart congestion. Now, he has to be on lasix, a heart pill, and a salt free diet. Thank God for modern veterinary medicine. The funny thing is, today, we had to take my grandmother to the doctor and they took her OFF of lasix Go figure, we take one old mammal off of one medicine and then have to put another one on the same thing He is already doing better. He's pee'd a lot and not coughing as hard. He's a little trooper

[lizbud]

That sounds scary. Is this going to be a continuing problem with his
heart, or can it be cured alltogether? I hope Oscar starts feeling better
ASAP.

[borzoimom]

That sounds scary. Is this going to be a continuing problem with his
heart, or can it be cured alltogether? I hope Oscar starts feeling better
ASAP.

Usually this is a permanent condition- and can not be taken off of heart meds. I am assuming you mean the dog has " congestive heart failure" right?

[freckledimple]

Oscar thanks you for the well wishes, Lizbud. Yes, it is an ongoing problem; but thankfully it is treatable. He's already feeling and sounding better. He's not too sure about the salt-free diet, though He misses his treats. Who knew so much salt was in "regular" dog food and treats. We'll keep you updated.

[lizbud]

He's already feeling and sounding better. He's not too sure about the salt-free diet, though He misses his treats. Who knew so much salt was in "regular" dog food and treats. We'll keep you updated.

You are right about the salt in foods. I think most people would be
surprised at the amount of salt we ingest daily, me included. I'm so
glad to hear it can be treated & Oscar is doing much better already.Give
the little guy a gentle hug from me.

[freckledimple]

Does anybody know of a low or no salt treat I could give Oscar to help with the pill taking? We're still getting used to giving him a pill efficiently Chihuahua tounges are not easy to get a pill past. Oscar is just soaking up all of the positive energy sent his way Thank you everybody.

[borzoimom]

Well I use cheese to give pills but as far as diet- with such a small breed- I would put the dog on bil jac if not already on heart diet by the vet.. Its very low in sodium.