My pet - Tess

Question
My dog started rapid breathing, and drinking more water, and seemed to have a dry mouth.  On seeking the vets advice he prescribed Frusemide (7 days supply) on her next visit(yeserday) he prescribed Frusemide again (7 days) and on examing her neck and between her back legs, wants her to have an xray and Lymph biopsy.  As you can imagine we are worried out of our minds as she means the world to us, and very popular with everyone she meets.  She is 7 years old, and when we got her (she is a resue dog) she had just got over a chest infection and had a heart murmur.
If you can help us in anyway as to what we should prepare ourselves for we would be eternally grateful.
Thank you
Gillian

Answer
Hi Gillian,

First, Frusemide is a type of medicine called a "loop diuretic". Loop diuretics act in the kidney to remove excess water from the blood, by causing an increase in the removal of salts such as potassium and sodium. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine. Removing water from the blood causes a decrease in the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This drop in fluid volume decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body. There are many conditions which may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body (oedema). Frusemide is commonly used in in treatment of heart failure, where the pumping mechanism of the heart is less effective. It is used to relieve the symptoms of heart failure, such as the shortness of breath seen with fluid on the lungs.

So your vet is suspecting some form of heart disease. At some point, an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) might be prescribed, these medications reduce the workload on the heart by causing blood vessels to widen. Your dog can be receive Frusemide and an ACE inhibitor at the same time.
Other medications that act on the heart and circulation, such as digitalis, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs, may also be used in some cases. Nitroglycerin (a drug that widens blood vessels) may be recommended in some advanced cases. Additional tests such as abdominal X-rays, ECG, and echocardiography might be necessary.

It's only natural to worry, however, with proper management and diet, your many pets with heart disease may be able to have a better quality of life.

You should find out exactly what condition Tess has, it's then that you'll be able to provide her with the best care. You should also ask your vet what other health concerns the vet has, nice he's talking about x-rays and Lymph biopsies.

Ask the vet about feeding Tess a low sodium diet and the kind (and quantity) of exercise she should receive.
Essential fatty acids (EFA) supplements may be of value for some dogs with congestive heart failure; so, too, may be antioxidants selenium and vitamin E. Talk over using any dietary supplements with your vet, as there could be drug interactions to watch out for.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti