Congestive Heart Failure

[cavsmum3]

Hi Guys. I need some input from you. My darling Buddy is 9 yrs. old and was diagnosed with CHF 10 months ago. The vet put him on Fortekor and Lasix, but the hacking cough from this got worse. Buddy was then put on Vetmedin 2 months ago. It doesn't seem to be helping any, and just in the past couple of days, I have noticed his tongue has a slightly bluish tinge at times. You wouldn't think anything was wrong with him apart from this, he is active ('tho a bit slower now), and has a terrific appetite etc. I cannot see my vet for another 3 days due to the Xmas break, but I am so worried about Buddy. The vet wouldn't give me a straight answer concerning his prognosis and life span chances (probably due to the fact that I lost my other wee Cavvie "Matey" last year and I was so heartbroken.) I need some honest answers and opinions...has anyone any 'info that would help, or has experienced this also? I would be sooooo grateful for any 'info at all...thank you in advance.

[MurphysMummy]

When the gums and tongue are blue it means lack of oxygen I think.. I'm sure that's what murphys cardiologist said to me.


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[Sydneys Mom]

Do you have an emergency vet/hospital you can take Buddy to? The blue tinge on his tongue and gums definately means lack of oxygen. This can be extremely dangerous. My Sydney went through this and was in an oxygen tank overnight. Buddy may have to have his medications adjusted. The coughing could mean he's retaining fluids in his lungs and abdomen and tney may have to drain it. Are you seeing a cardioligist or a regular vet? A cardioligist should really be the one determining the extent of the heart problems.

Please let us know how Buddy is doing. Hope you can get him more comfortable.

[cavsmum3]

Thank you both so much for your input. I am going to have to wait and see my vet first thing in a few days after the Xmas break. I got his emergency locum's no. and rang, but after describing the symptoms, he just said to take Buddy to my vet. My last wee Cavvie (Matey) was in an oxygen tent, but for a different reason. The vet we had at the time had "Matey" on medication where his blood should have been getting checked every few months, but this wasn't being done...the result was absolutely horrific. He was raced to a specialist animal hospital because of internal bleeding of the liver caused by prolonged use of his medication. He was put on drips, morphine etc, etc...they battled their hardest to save him, but to no avail, and he was only 7 yrs. old... we promptly changed vets, so...as you can understand, I am very wary now. I am waking every few hours during the night, checking that my Buddy is still breathing. I know you will understand, as all Cavvie lovers are alike...these are our "babies". When I see our vet, I am going to push for Buddy to see a cardiologist, I don't care about cost, that doesn't even come into it, I just want my wee boy to get the best treatment there is...thank you soooo much once again, and I'll keep you updated...take care.

[MurphysMummy]

What a sad story about Matey.. Bless him! And yes please do push to see a cardiologist you definitely should get a referral if your cavalier has mitral valve disease. Good luck and merry Christmas


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[MurphysMummy]

Sorry I meant congestive heart failure, he definitely should be seeing a cardiologist if he is at this stage.


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[mommytoClaire]

Was hoping for an update?

[cavsmum3]

Hi Guys. Sorry I've taken so long to post an update on my Darling Buddy. Well, we've had more tests and x rays done and were given the news (as gently as possible by our vet), that our poor little boy only has a few months to live. We saw the x rays and couldn't believe it, his little heart is so enlarged that it is almost taking up the whole space of his lung. He is now on Vetmedin, Lasix, Fortekor, Aminyllin and Codeine Linctus. I just burst into tears at the vet's, and when we got home, my hubby and I both had a good cry. There is nothing else that can be done for our little man, so we will continue to give him the best life possible and all the love in the world, which he has always had from us anyway. We are in total shock...I guess we knew it was coming, but it doesn't hit home, until you are actually told how bad it is. I am a real cot case at the moment, waking up restlessy several times during the night, to check that Buddy is still breathing..these little furbabies are our kids, and I know that all of us on here feel exactly the same. Will keep you updated, and thanks Guys, for your support...Hugs to all of you.

[Kate H]

So sorry to hear your news. Knowing what you're going through, and thinking of you

Kate, Oliver and Aled

[team bella]

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. Please try to enjoy and make special all the time that's available. Much loving & positive thoughts going to you and your lovely boy


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