Any tips on management of heart failure in dogs?

[hazelrunpack]

We recently found out that Ridge is in the early stages of heart failure. Her symptoms have abated since the addition of Lasex and Enalapril, but does anyone have any general tips for the management of heart failure? Homeopathic remedies that you've had success with? Exercise recommendations?

[luckypenny]

Oh Hazel, I wish I had some ideas to share with you .

All I have is lots of love and hugs for you and Ridge .

[hazelrunpack]

Thanks, LP. She seems to be holding her own for now, which is a good thing.

[Barkingdog]

Originally Posted by hazelrunpack

We recently found out that Ridge is in the early stages of heart failure. Her symptoms have abated since the addition of Lasex and Enalapril, but does anyone have any general tips for the management of heart failure? Homeopathic remedies that you've had success with? Exercise recommendations?

I would check out what dog food is best for dog with early stages of heart failure. I know people have to be careful with their salt intake so I would think dogs would need to be careful too. I am so sorry to hear this, I would spend as much time you can with your dog and try not to let her get too stress out or over excited.

[pbpatti]

Hazel, I am so sorry tohear about Ridge's health. Take a look at this website to see if there might be something that can help you out homeopathically. What kind of heart disease does Ridge have?

http://www.earthclinic.com

[growler~GateKeeper]

Big for Ridge

Good thing she's a yard dog & doesn't like the adventures into the woods so you don't have to worry about keeping her from getting excited while the other dogs go out.

[hazelrunpack]

That's very true, growler! She has never been one to overexert.

She has valvular heart disease of some sort, Patti--rapid development of a grade 3 heart murmur--but as far as we know, it's idiopathic. All her blood work and xrays looked good, and the ultrasound showed relatively normal function despite the murmur. She started with a soft cough a while back, at which time we added the meds. Thanks for that link--I'll check it out!

Thanks, Barkingdog. She's not much for overexertion and stress isn't in her vocabulary! We do spend a lot of time with all our dogs, knowing that they're getting older and not wanting to waste a minute with them if we can help it!

[Winston]

Hazel give Ridge a gentle hug please.
Cindy

[free]

sorry to hear. when we had ollie he had a grade 3 heart murmur we mitral valve.kept him on meds the vet said make sure food is low in salt. he still took his walks and kept everything normal.

[BigMax]

Sorry to hear about Ridge. I had a dog that suffered sudden heart failure and was revived. The vet placed her on several types of medication that extended her life an additional two plus years. As getting my dog to eat was my biggest problem, what I fed her was the least of my problems. The quality of her life was my biggest priority. Just let Ridge have the best life and enjoy it together. Ridge will appreciate an enjoyable life more than a longer one.

[hazelrunpack]

Thanks, BigMax. She's doing remarkably well! The murmur is still reduced, her activity level is up and she's looking very bright and happy.

[MaxaLisa]

This is great new!