Congestive Heart CHF in canine ; dog chf;

Question
Can you tell me what to expect in the end stage of CHF?

my Cocker is 14.5 yrs and after being diagnosed a couple of weeks ago is on fortekor and furosimide. He got much better immediately but yesterday was back to the coughing in the evening, night and early am.

What do I need to know to make the right decisions at the right time?

Answer
Hi Cheryl, I am so sorry about this diagnosis.  The CHF end stages are the same for dogs as for humans.  The main thing you will see is cough with shortness of breath.  Many dogs can be comfortable with the right amount of medications and proper feeding.

The Lasix ( water pill) will help to take the fluids away or reduce them for comfort.  The valve that works between the heart and lung is not working to full capacity at this time.  There is no way to fix this except to control the fulid back-up.

You will always see cough with a CHF canine.  As long as your dog is eating, drinking and somewhat active, that is a fairly Good quality of life.

So, keep up on the medications and care that your vet has provided for him.  
Just keep him comfortable and happy.  Do the best you can to keep him out of pain.  
The time he will show signs of pain is because of lack for breath.
At that point, there will not be much you can do.

Wish I had more Happy Words to say about this.  
Blessings to you.

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

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