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Congestive Heart Failure

6K views 46 replies 24 participants last post by  ShelianDobe 
#1 ·
Hi, you guys.
I'm not sure if any of you remember or know me but Leo has been diagnosed with DCM today and is fighting for his life. We are keeping our fingers crossed he survives these 24 hours in an oxygen chamber.

He is in a heart failure state.
They put him in the oxygen chamber.
His cardiology visit was scheduled in 2 weeks (general check up since he is 4), but I guess we were too late. He developed symptoms over night and is now fighting for his life in intensive care. They are planning to keep him there for 2-3 days (if he survives).
If he survives I just want to hear pointers about food regimens, supplements, and medication your vet prescribed your dog.

P.S. I'll update this thread as I go on. This happened today so I am finding it very hard to speak proper english as I am very nervous (I came from Russia).

We are in South Florida. Ft. Lauderdale and Miami area.
Our cardiologist is Dr. Nick Schroeder.
 
#5 ·
So sorry to hear about your boy, so young too.

I lost my last boy 5 years ago to DCM/CHF. He was 7. When he was diagnosed the Vet put him on 4 different types of medication, Vetmedin(Pimobendan)Fortekor, Spironolactone & Frusemide. When it came to food/feeding he would eat his regular kibble just fine until the end was near. Then it became a job to stimulate his appetite. So I would tempt him with anything I could think of, chicken, beef etc, gravy, soups. I've seen people recommend wet cat food, strong smelling fish, hambugers, hotdogs, sugar covered cereals. Anything really, just to get them eating.

As the disease progressed my boy couldn't lay on his side due to the fluid build up. He would lay in what they call the Sphynx position. The dreaded coughing became more frequent, his gums were very pale & his ears & feet would feel cold to the touch. We let him go 4 months after diagnosis. We had reached the limit on his Frusemide & it was no longer effective. He spent his final night unable to settle at all with my husband by his side the whole night. He was euthanised first thing that morning in my sons arms with me by his side.


I'm so glad to see your boy has stabilized. Hopefully, whatever medication he gets will soon kick in & he will be able to go home with you.

Sending positive vibes to you & Leo, please keep us updated.

Oh, & you're doing just fine with your English. No worries there. :) :nicejob:
 
#11 ·
I'm very sorry to hear this.
 
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#12 ·
He made it through the night and they are saying his is stable. Ate his food this morning and urinated. He is still in the oxygen chamber as they are still very worried.

I went to the hospital today to speak to the new Dr. that changed over night (Dr. Schroeder won't be able to see him until Monday because he is at the vet conference and all other cardiologists were booked). The Dr in charge had 4 emergencies and couldn't speak with me but she will give me a call later.

Thank you so much everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to me and Leo at this difficult time. I couldn't sleep last night and been going in an out of crying episodes as I never went through this before. Leo is my first dobie and I love him very much so I'm trying to be positive and hoping he pulls through.
 
#16 ·
Devastating. So sorry to hear. My boy was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, Had a slight cough, took him in as precaution. Diagnosed w DCM, gone 2 weeks later, 1 month shy of his 4th bday..I feel your pain. Unfortunately I bought my dog before I noticed an explosion of DCM cases on these message boards related to Maxim/Icarus/Gino lines. On the one hand not purchasing my pup would have only solved my problem, not his. So I am glad I had him even if it was for such a short time. But lesson learned the hard way, I would advise everyone, those dogs are beautiful but the lines are littered w DCM. It's not worth playing Russian roulette when you can lower the risk by doing enhanced due diligence.
 
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