Care for pulmonary heart disease

[e-chick]

Hi All:
I have recently joined this forum trying to get some answers from anyone out there who has gone through or is going through what I am right now. My little dog (she's 13.7 yrs) was rushed into the hospital last night because of problems breathing, coughing and weezing. I knew right away this had something to do with her heart. I was always told she had a heart murmor and to watch her as she got older for increased coughing. I never saw this coming on (I only just had her at the vet 7 mos ago). The vet has now said that she has pulmonary heart disease, which basically means the lungs fill with fluid because the heart is unable to pump blood through the valves efficiently.

there is medication that they have given her to see if she responds, thus far, she has not, but the vet said they usually need 2 doses of the medication before any reaction occurs. If she does respond and pills are her form of dealing with getting the fluid out of her lungs, that means she will be on medication for as long as it will last for her. How many of you out there have their dogs in this type of medication and how long has your dog lived for? She is an active dog, well as active as an old geezer can be with a bum leg, but has never shown signs of discomfort or lethargy.

I've been through some trying times with her, and thought I was going to lose her some 10 yrs ago. I just can't stand the heart ache I am experiencing and I will totally miss her. She's been such a great dog, lots of love and laughs, I will feel so empty without her in my life. I know that our days are numbered and I have to remain positive right now, but I also have to be somewhat realistic and I am considering euthansia if she doesn't respond to their care.

 

[Athebeau]

One of our Newf's quite a few years ago was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure at age 10.

We decided to treat her holistically (as much as we knew at that time). She was a bit over weight so we safely got the excess weight off. We didn't know much about proper diet at that time and left her on Eukanuba, of course we always gave her good quality scraps & raw meat. She lived a good quality happy life until the age of 15 when the quality of life went down and we had her put humanley to sleep.

Some herbs/supplements to look into and discuss with a holistic vet are:
* Coenzyme Q-10
* Essential fatty acids
* Amino acids, taurine and carnitine - B-50 Complex
* Hawthorn
* MOtherwort
* Dandelion Root
* Cayenne
* Yarrow
* Rosemary
* Ginkgo

Of course not all together. Talk to a holistic Vet for proper dosages and the right protocol for your dogs problem. We went with Coenzyme Q-10, Essential fatty acids and raw meat for the Amino acids taurine and carnitine, B-50 complex.

Of course the above herbs cannot "cure" a defective heart It's best to discuss with a holistic Vet the quality of your dogs life and "if" any combination of the above...or homeopathic methods may help.

Good luck

 

[e-chick]

Thank you for your post. I have considered seeing a holistic vet - that's if I can find one around here!! But in the interim, she's really not able to breath, she needs oxygen, the docs are trying to get it under control so she can come home. I'd have to continue with the medication if it works and gives her some relief and then try this holistic approach. I've always been cautious of her diet, she's never been over weight and I've always fed her dry dog food from the vet.

 

[Athebeau]

Your poor dog, I feel so bad.
I'm not sure which food from the Vet your feeding, but, "most" conventional Vets promote unhealthy foods such as Medi-Cal (or Medi-Kill as I call it), Science diet, Hills, etc. They are not healthy foods and most lack taurine which is essential for heart health.

I do believe that all the Natura line of dog foods contain taurine. This would be Innova, EVO, Karma etc. Or you could add raw meat to get proper levels of taurine. There is a dog food experts on this board who could help you choose a proper diet...her name is Mordy.

Hopefully your dog will be out of the hospital soon. Of course do not stray from the advise your current Vet has given you until you consult with a holistic Vet. You could even do a phone consultation, that information I will look up for you and post.

Here is a little more indepth information which you can discuss with a holistic Vet. I don't know how they would react with the med's your current vet has prescribed. It could be dangerous without proper instruction.

The herbal approach to heart disorders is to strenghten and support cardiovascular and pulmonary function and efficiency. Tonic herbal therapies are especially helpful in older animals who need a gentle measure of daily cardiovascular support. In all cases, a daily supplement of hawthorn helps improve coronary blood flwo, moderate blood pressure, and strengthen heartbeat. Galic may also be of benefit. Ginkgo, Yarrow, or cayenne shoudl also be considered to help increase circulation in the extremities, brain, and throughout the peripheral capillaries of the body.

If rapid, erratic heartbeat is part of your compainions disorder, bungleweed may be useful to safely slow and strenthen the heart. If myocardial inflammation of pulmonary edema is present (such as with congestive heart failure), a daily regimen of strong dandelion leaf tea helps remove excess fluid from the body. At the same time, it supplies the body with potassium, a mineral that is essential to healthy heart function.

Adaptogenic herbs such as astragalus or siberian ginseng may increase overall energy levels in the animal. Astragalus is also known to have antiviral qualities that are specific to heart infections. Echinacea or other immunotimulant herbs are indicated in circumstances where bacterial or viral infection is involved.

A Cardiovascular Tonic
Combine the following glycerin tinctures:
2 parts hawthorn
2 parts dandlion leaf
1 part yarrow
1 part ginkgo

An appropriate dose for dogs is 0.05 - 1.0 milliliter for each 20 pounds of the animals body weight daily. In addition to this formula, dietary supplementation of garlic may be of benefit

.
Herbs for Pets Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford

 

[Athebeau]

Here is a link where you can search for a holistic Vet near you.
ahvma.org

 

[e-chick]

Thank you for this information, I will definately pursue healthier diet for my dog in the future. As for Jake, she's not gonna make it. I got a call from the vet and he said that she's not improving and that they want to give her 12 more hrs to see, but I am not hopeful. I know this is her time, I can feel it. How the heck does one deal with this loss, I feel devestated. My husband and I are walking arouund the house balling. I can't even go outside in our yard cuz it reminds me of her. We will be saying our last good bye's tomorrow morning and then putting her to sleep. I am going to pack up all her stuff, I can't look at it without balling. We are so sad, it's just unbearable, I've never felt this way about anything, even a person - it's ridiculous almost. I am sure many of you understand.......

I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing right now than holding her and wishing her a happy new life. I know I'll see her again, but not soon enough.

 

[bubbatd]

e-chick, I most certainly know how you are feeling.... I hope that EliN sees this and will re-post the " Dog's Pledge" ( she posted it a while ago ). Please hug your baby, remember the good times and know that you are doing the best for her. At Grammy's age she's gone through this too many times and it's never easy....As I write I'm still missing my friends....especially my heart dog, Bubba . Big hugs, and let us ease you through your pain. Grammy.

 

[mutt_lover]

e-chick, I so understand what these days have been like. I am sorry that you have to go through this pain. My thoughts are with you...

 

[e-chick]

Thank you all for your support, I came to this forum this morning after dropping Jake of at the hospital only because I knew that people who can understand my pain will also help with the comfort and ease of letting go. It's already started and I am beginning to feel at peace, just wish the balling would stop, my eyes look like puffy slits. Jeeze it really makes you appreciate a person who loves animals enough to have them as pets and has such heart ache at their depature.

Thanks again all.

 

[Athebeau]

I am so sorry
The thing to keep in mind is Jake lived a long happy fullfilled life. I always keep that in mind whenever I think of any of my deceased dogs. You gave Jake a wonderful life and memories can never be taken away.

Give yourself time to grieve. I was there with all my dogs when they passed on, I gave them my support and made sure they were comfortable.

 

[e-chick]

Thank you Athebeau, this is really the first time I've had to experience this, I am sure having another dog around would have helped. The next time I get a dog, I am getting 2.

 

[bubbatd]

Please stick around....

 

[e-chick]

Hi All:
When I got home yesterday after putting her down, I went nuts. Such loud sobs of sorrow, I couldn't help myself, I collapsed on the kitchen floor, where I saw pieces of her dog food, she had this tendancy to grab food in ther mouth and then spit it all over the house. One of her crazy quirks, I picked up every last piece of dog food and put it away, I've put away all of her stuff in a closet and moved her dog house to the side of the house so I can't see it. the only thing I have is pictures on the fridge and her blanket that I carry constantly with me. I can hold it and smell it and it is like having her on my lap. I carried that dog everywhere. Jeeze, can you tell I don't have children? We can't have kids, and Jake was our child. I can't imagine what a parent must feel when they lose a child. If it's worse than what I am feeling, I am thankful I won't have to experience that (sorry all you parents). I just can't bear the grief, it's the worst feeling in the world.

I posted a tribute to my little girl under the memorial if any of you are interested.

Thank you for your support and understanding.
Nicole