Our Kaycee, a cocker spaniel, was 11 when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. It started with a seizure that never occured again, and apparently had nothing to do with the heart problem. I rushed her to the emergency clinic on a Sunday morning where she acted perfectly normal, but the vet did determine that something was wrong with her heart. We visited with our vet the next day and he started her on a regime of diuretics and heart medication. For eleven months, we medicated, she would get a little better, then digress again. He would give her a shot, increase her medication and it became a viscious cycle. I wanted to do anything to save her, as long as her quality of life was good. The coughing was horrible and she even took cough syrup with codine to quiet it. Finally, the end came when she dramatically lost about 14 pounds in a short period of time, started bleeding from her colon and could not control her bladder or bowels. He could not operate or anesthetize her to determine the source of the bleeding because of the heart issue. I made the heartbreaking decision to have her put to sleep. I left her overnight while I made my decision and so she could be observed by my vet. He called the next morning to let me know what I already knew...it was time to end her misery. I went there, alone, and they had bathed her and she was so sweet. I stayed with her and held her the whole time, which is something I never thought I could do. I shed my share of tears, but I am so grateful for the loving care of my vet and his assistants in helping me through it. I still miss Kaycee tremendously, but I knew I had done everything I could to extend her life.
Sorry this is so long, but it is my "heart" story, from my heart. My heart is with you all in your sad stories too.