wheezing 13 year old bulldog with possible CHF: bulldog congestive heart;

Question
I have a 13 year old bulldog who has recently started wheezing very noticeably.  He has had the 'old man' cough for a while now, but i have been told that is just his age and normal.  In the last few days his breathing has become on/off shallow with wheezing, and his appetite has decreased significantly.  He has had trouble with his back legs for a few years now, but in the last few days, it is worse than normal.  He is out of breath in a few steps and we aren't sure if it is just 'old age' or something more serious.  Any thoughts before we take him to the vet and they run a million tests?
Thank you.....
M

Answer
Follow up on CHF bulldog:  Please let me know what the vet says?
I sure do think it could be the CHF....

Hi maryanne,  I am sorry but this sounds like CHF, congestive heart.  You boy will need some Lasix, water pill and a brochodilitator from the VET.  He is very uncomfortable now and has lost his energy.  The water may be building up around the heart sac.  The medications are low cost and will make him feel much better.  I follow many dogs with CHF and they can live 1 or more years on the medications without many problems.
Please call the VET ASAP.

Marie Peppers LPN MA