Doyle

Submitted by Tim and Forever... on July 11, 2012 - 6:09pm

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I don't post much but Doyle and I have been around since he was a pup in 2003. I took him to the vet today because his belly was getting big for some reason. It took me a bit to notice it happened so gradually. Turns out he had a lot of fluid build up in his abdomen and after a cardiac ultrasound the reason is his heart. It's only contracting at 15% of what it should be.

So the doc, drained the fluid ( it's still draining ) and gave me some meds. But he said it's basically to try to buy some time. That Doyle's heart could stop at any time. To try to keep him cool and stress free.

He seems relatively normal, but I'm pretty devasted by this news.

Has anyone had a scenario like this and had a dog live any considerable lenght of time?

Thanks

I don't have any experience with this but...

Submitted by Kathy Chester N... on July 11, 2012 - 9:59pm.

it sounds like congestive heart failure and they probably gave him Lasix to get rid of the fluid. I've heard of dogs living with this as long as they get their medications, same as people. Sending good thoughts for your boy.

Poor Doyle.

Submitted by AmyandSophia on July 11, 2012 - 10:11pm.

I haven't dealt with this myself, but I agree with what Kathy said, that it is Congestive HEart Failure and the meds are probably Lasix. I think it can be a managed issue, but I just don't know for sure.

I am so sorry, I hope you get some help from some folks with experience in this area. I will be praying for you guys.

__________________

Amy and Sophia

Oh Tim,

Submitted by Carol and Griffin on July 12, 2012 - 8:05am.

I do so hope that you get some positive answers!

I love your little guy.

Warm loving thoughts to you from Kofi and me.

__________________

Kofi and Carol

Sorry to hear this news

Submitted by onslowsmom on July 12, 2012 - 9:01am.

The lasix should help him. Each dog is different. I remember when you posted regularly please give Doyle a kiss from me.

__________________

Yes, we have had 4 dogs

Submitted by LynnKing on July 13, 2012 - 8:17pm.

with CHF. You have to be very careful to make sure that Doyle gets his meds regularly. Watch his diet, absolutely no salt. So, no cheese, cottage cheese, snacks with sodium etc., Also, be aware of any swelling in his legs and abdomen area.

Its a tough diagnosis and its tough on the dogs. He will need to urinate more frequently. We set up pee pads for ours to use when we were not at home.

To be honest, from diagnosis to passing, none of ours lived longer then 9 months. Hopefully Doyle will respond to the meds well and your outcome will be better then ours.

Hugs to the patient.

__________________

Lynn King CPDT-KA

aww.....lots and lots of (( HUGS ))) to you and Doyle!!! I don't

Submitted by ArchimedesMommy on July 13, 2012 - 9:06pm.

have any experience with this--- I know this has been very, very difficult to deal with !!! :-(

Just wanted to say Meaty and Sophie and I will pray for Doyle, and we're

sending HUGS!!!!!!!

__________________

Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!

Oh Tim...

Submitted by Céline and Ange... on July 14, 2012 - 8:53am.

I have no experience with CHF and I 'm so sorry to hear of the diagnosis. We all love your beautiful boy. I know that if anyone can take the best of care of this boy and help him continue to live a healthy and happy life - YOU can! Please keep us posted.

Thanks...

Submitted by Tim and Forever... on July 14, 2012 - 10:42am.

Thanks all for the thoughts and thank Lynn for the advice. I live alone, and Doyle has been my constant companion for almost 9 years, so this is especially difficult. I'll just take care of him best I can and enjoy the time I have with him.

ay...poor

Submitted by Pegsy on July 14, 2012 - 1:59pm.

ay...poor sweetie...*hugglies*

smoochies the scrunchy face