dogs fluid around heart
My dog is 13/14 years old and has a heart murmur. What are the signs of heart failure?
A few years ago she had an irregular beat so was on medication to correct it, but now it’s acting up again. Symptons of panting and the occasional cough. She’s again seen the vet who said she had a strong heart and some fluid on the lungs. Strong heart good or bad?
She’s been prescribed vivitonin, (no bad raction before). Two days later I’ve taken her for a walk and for the first time was panting during it, and it was short too. I’ve also noticed a vein pulsing in her back left leg and the end part of her ribs looks like a heart beat is pulsing. Noticeable if she stops but not frantic.
She is eating well, has pink gums and although the walk was a big worry she was eager for it. Beside the panting she had no problem walking or moving around. But I’m probably just hoping more then anything for these small good signs.
Am I looking at heart failure? Did the vet trip stress her and the heart? Or are the tablets working and her body is just acclimatising?
She may be in the early stages of heart failure. Her heart is still getting oxygen to her organs (pink gums), but it sounds like it may be straining to do so (fatigue after walk). If she is still tired and seems to be laboring with the breathing after any exercise, take her to the vet to be re-evaluated.
Canine Congestive Heart Failure