Nicki
Moderator
Oh goodness Shirley I'm so sorry, what a horrendous time for you It's good to hear that Trapper is doing a bit better - and if it is "just" bronchitis that might be good news.
It can be very hard to get the balance of medication right for MVD - the cardiologists are excellent at doing that which is why we recommend them but know that it is not always possible to visit with them.
There is an old fashioned diuretic, Co-amilozide a combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. Brand name Moduret 25 or Moduretic, which can be very effective at shifting the fluid, particularly belly fluid. I know of one Cavalier in particular who sadly was doing really badly and after starting this, about 6 months ago, is doing brilliantly - and actually went for a proper walk yesterday!
The key thing is that Trapper is happy, and hopefully having more good days than bad now - it's awful to have to think of these things especially when they are at crisis point, but we need to be prepared [and also decide what we want to happen if we do have to let them go - cremation etc, perhaps helping out by putting them through teh Cavalier Collection Scheme http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/Syringomyelia/Collection_scheme/ ]
Yes like you I am so down with having to manage health issues - it would be so nice to have dogs we could just enjoy...
You are in my thoughts, really hope that you will have them both for a long time yet xx Thank goodness we have this forum and can help and support each other.
It can be very hard to get the balance of medication right for MVD - the cardiologists are excellent at doing that which is why we recommend them but know that it is not always possible to visit with them.
There is an old fashioned diuretic, Co-amilozide a combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. Brand name Moduret 25 or Moduretic, which can be very effective at shifting the fluid, particularly belly fluid. I know of one Cavalier in particular who sadly was doing really badly and after starting this, about 6 months ago, is doing brilliantly - and actually went for a proper walk yesterday!
The key thing is that Trapper is happy, and hopefully having more good days than bad now - it's awful to have to think of these things especially when they are at crisis point, but we need to be prepared [and also decide what we want to happen if we do have to let them go - cremation etc, perhaps helping out by putting them through teh Cavalier Collection Scheme http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/Syringomyelia/Collection_scheme/ ]
Yes like you I am so down with having to manage health issues - it would be so nice to have dogs we could just enjoy...
You are in my thoughts, really hope that you will have them both for a long time yet xx Thank goodness we have this forum and can help and support each other.