Personality changes after heart disease

Question
Our 9 year old active, obedient male yellow lab(138 lbs) was diagnosed with heart disease to the left side of his heart in December. He spent several days in intensive care on oxygen. He is on a diuretic and heart medicine, lasix. The vet told us he should have limited activity and would be urinating frequently. We were OK with that, we realize his heart will never get "better". But, we have noticed a big change in his personality and it has us worried. He was always happy and very obedient. But lately he seems somewhat sad and has several times now "disappeared" in our fenced in big backyard when we let him out. Just last night at 5am with more than 6" of snow on the ground, he went out and minutes later was laying in the snow by the fence all the way to the back of our yard. We finally found him with a spot light. He ignored our calls to come in and we had to go and get him. He also is eating a lot of snow (he never did that to that much before)and barks to get out just to do that. He has plenty of water at all times. He also wants to be alone most of the time. He always wanted to be part of the family before.  We love him so much, but worry that he is not having a happy life. We just want him to live a good life for whatever time he has left, but these personality changes have us cooncerned.  We would appreciate any advice you may have.

Answer
Hi Nancy-

Unfortunatly, this is fairly common for dogs that are in late stage heart disease. They just don't feel good. They hurt, they have trouble breathing, they are exhausted, and they are dizzy. Eating snow is just another way of drinking a lot of water, which is common for the diuretic.

I really wish I had some advice for you, but I don't, other then to continue to love him and monitor his quality of life. If it gets to the point where you feel he is just no longer happy and not enjoying his life with you, then it may be more humane to help him cross the bridge so he is no longer in discomfort. But that will always be YOUR decision and no one can assist you in making it.

I am so sorry to hear about his problems, but am glad you are doing everything you can to make him comfortable. I hope he feels better soon.