[CorkyMax]

So many dogs, esp. as they start getting older, develop heart murmurs or other heart problems. Both of my dogs (Both seniors-ages 10 and 11) have grade 1 and grade 3 murmurs so I have been reading up on heart problems. Thought I would paste an article here as it is important to catch these things early so dog can be treated if need be--to prolong life and make the dog more comfortable. It is wise to know the early signs of heart problems! And it is not always the older dog that can have these problems!!

Heart Disease in Dogs

If you are a dog owner, you will probably agree that your pet holds a special place in your heart. But you must remember that keeping your dog's heart healthy is one of your responsibilities.


"When it comes to heart disease, regular visits to your veterinarian could mean the difference between life and premature death," says Dr. Joanne Bicknese. "Dog owners may not realize that their pets are susceptible to many forms of heart disease. In most cases, heart disease can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment".

What is Heart Disease in Dogs?
Heart disease in dogs, as in people, can be either present at birth or acquired, often developing during middle age. Acquired heart disease is more common, affecting many older dogs.

Are there different types of heart disease in dogs?
Yes, there are two common types of heart disease in dogs:

In one type, a dog's heart valves lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow.
In the other type, the muscular walls of a dog's heart become thinned and weakened.
Both types develop gradually over time and result in the same serious condition called heart failure.

Heart Failure
A major threat to your dog's health is heart failure. Of the dogs in the United States examined annually by a veterinarian, approximately 3.2 million have some form of acquired heart disease and may be in heart failure. Heart failure results from the heart's inability to pump blood at a rate required to meet the body's needs. While continuing to work harder to pump blood, further heart damage can occur.


What are the signs of heart disease in dogs?
Although some of the early stages of heart failure in dogs have no visible signs, heart failure can be diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a veterinarian. Dogs with mild to moderate heart failure typically experience heart enlargement, coughing, lethargy and difficulty breathing. Severe heart failure is characterized by difficulty breathing (even at rest), fainting, profound intolerance to exercise, loss of appetite and weight loss.

How can I find out if my dog has heart disease?
Your veterinarian is your dog's healthcare expert. Regular veterinary visits are important for early detection of health problems.

Your veterinarian may ask you for specific information about your dog before performing a thorough physical examination. If indicated, blood and urine tests, X-rays, an EKG or other tests may be ordered. Regular testing is important for early detection of heart disease in dogs.

"Too often, dog owners do not take their dogs to visit the veterinarian until they are displaying severe signs of heart failure, and by then it may be too late," says Dr. Bicknese. "When heart disease is detected in your dog, your veterinarian can recommend a schedule of regular visits and discuss a treatment plan that can help."

Can dogs with heart disease be treated?
Yes. Although there is no cure for most heart disease in dogs, new treatments are available. Success of treatment depends on various factors, but early detection is always best. By following your veterinarian's recommendations, you can help your dog live a longer, more comfortable life.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy
In addition to safeguarding your dog's heart, there's a lot you can do to keep your dog happy and in top shape. Ensure that your dog gets a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis and has a balanced diet. An obese dog may have a harder time staying healthy.

Avoid the heartbreak of seeing your family's best friend fall ill. Proper care and veterinary supervision can help you watch your dog grow to a "hearty" old age.

[CorkyMax]

Common Canine Heart Diseases and Their Symptoms
The two most prevalent canine heart diseases -- dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and mitral valve disease -- are believed to be at least partially hereditary.

DCM and mitral valve disease cripple the heart in different ways. DCM causes a swelling of one of the heart's lower chambers, which are called ventricles. The left ventricle is affected more often than the right. "The ventricle changes from a football shape to a basketball shape," explains Dr. Fine. "This weakens the ability of the heart to pump blood. The heart becomes large and flabby and beats weakly."

Mitral valve disease attacks the valves that serve as doorways between the heart's upper chambers, which are called atria, and the ventricles. The valves deteriorate to the point that they don't close completely. This failure to close allows some blood in the ventricle to flow back to the atrium instead of out from the heart to the rest of the body the way it's supposed to do. Consequently, the heart must work harder than normal to pump enough blood to meet the dog's needs.

With either condition, a dog may not show outward symptoms for years. Eventually, though, the dog shows signs that all is not well. Those signs can include:


Lethargy


Appetite loss


Coughing, especially during exercise or excitement


Gasping for breath


Fainting or collapsing


Gradual abdominal swelling

Although these signs can signify the onset of heart failure, they also mimic other conditions. For example, if the left side of the heart fails, fluid backs up into the lungs, but other conditions can do that too. That's why a dog with these symptoms needs a thorough examination with appropriate testing. "You need a chest X-ray to confirm left-side heart failure," says Dr. Fine. "Fluid in the lungs could also be pneumonia, bronchitis or a fibrosis of the lungs."

At-Risk Breeds
Due to inherited genes and as a consequence of breeding, DCM usually affects large or giant breeds, especially:


Doberman Pinschers


Great Danes


German Shepherds


Irish Wolfhounds


Mastiffs

Mitral valve disease, again due to genetics and breeding, affects a disproportionate number of small breeds, including:


Cavalier King Charles Spaniels


Chihuahuas


Miniature Poodles


Toy Poodles


Maltese


Bichon Frises


Beagles


West Highland White Terriers

Both diseases generally strike dogs in mid-life or later, except for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which can show signs of mitral valve disease at just 2 years of age.

Helping Your Dog
If your dog is one of the more susceptible breeds, expert monitoring from an early age is a good idea. For example, some experts believe that every Doberman Pinscher over the age of one year should receive an annual electrocardiogram because DCM is especially prevalent in that breed. Similarly, other experts recommend that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels receive yearly screenings for mitral valve disease. Such monitoring won't prevent either condition, but it can lead to earlier, more aggressive treatment that can improve a dog's quality of life, and may even lengthen it. "With heart disease, it's not just about living longer, it's about living better," says Dr. Fine.

You can help your dog live better too. In addition to aggressive monitoring for early detection, good home care can keep a dog comfortable longer. If heart failure hasn't occurred, "Keep your dog active, maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight," suggests Dr. Fine. "Excess weight makes the heart work harder."

Treatment Options
Once a dog has been diagnosed with heart failure, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and the condition's progression. A veterinarian may start treatment by prescribing a diuretic to reduce the dog's fluid level and an ACE inhibitor, which levels blood pressure, to help the diuretic work better. A dog with right-side heart failure may also undergo abdominocentisis, a procedure in which the veterinarian inserts a needle into the abdomen to withdraw excess fluid. A dog with DCM may be prescribed medications to help the heart contract more normally.

Because these conditions aren't curable, owners may question whether treatment is worthwhile. Dr. Fine responds, "I always encourage people to try therapy (treatment) because the medications can help their dogs return to their old selves. Give it a few weeks -- the vast majority of dogs do much better."

[CorkyMax]

Dog Heart Murmur Symptoms
Updated August 10, 2009
When a dog has a heart murmur, what this indicates is that there is abnormal blood flow within the dog's heart. This can be caused by a change in the heart valves and their function, or a number of other potential causes. Dog heart murmur symptoms may be caused by an abnormal communication between the left side and the right side of the heart. There are a number of things that may cause this, as they may be congenital or present from birth, or acquired which means the heart was affected after birth because of age or disease.

There are two types of heart murmurs in dogs, benign murmurs which do not concern the health of the dog, and much more serious heart murmurs which may indicate the development of congestive heart failure in dogs.

Dog heart murmur symptoms often include coughing, poor exercise ability, bluish tinge to the gums or tongue, labored breathing and even fainting. While some of these symptoms can be linked to other health issues, and the symptoms are the same between benign heart murmurs and the more severe forms, you should consult a veterinarian any time you have a concern about your dog's health.

Some of these symptoms can be easily missed, including poor exercise ability and even a bluish tinge to the gums. If you have any suspicion that your dog may be suffering from issues relating to a heart murmur, canine heart disease or the development of congestive heart failure, contact your vet immediately for an official diagnosis.

These are symptoms that indicate that something serious is going on with your dog's health. The best way to identify the source and severity of the dog's heart murmur is to conduct a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian, however sometimes additional testing is needed including a heart ultrasound, blood testing, an EKG and chest x-rays. The ultrasound offers a particularly enticing list of benefits because it allows your veterinarian to measure the extent of the murmur, defining whatever the cause of the underlying heart disease may be.

It is vital that you be able to properly diagnose the cause of your dog's heart condition because some conditions that cause heart murmurs are treatable, either through surgery or through medication.

If your dog has a congenital heart murmur, surgery may be a viable solution to eliminate the problems it creates. On the other hand, specific types of medication may be necessary because non congenital heart murmurs are often an underlying symptom of congestive heart failure in dogs.

You cannot be sure about which treatment is going to be the right path to proceed with until you have consulted the right veterinarian and received advice regarding the health of your dog. You should never leave symptoms like these to chance, because not every heart murmur is benign, and serious changes could be occurring in your dog's heart.

It is important to share any questions or concerns that you have with your veterinarian, especially when it comes to your dog's lifestyle and physical condition. If you do not feel comfortable with a diagnosis from your general veterinarian, consider seeking out an opinion from a veterinary cardiologist or internist, as these specialized veterinarians have special training and expertise in these and similar problems.

[LindaLinda]

I notice one of the breeds you mentioned were beagles. My first dog was a beagle, and at a routine exam our Vet noticed a slight heart murmur when our Snoopy was about 7 years of age. Luckily it never got out of hand and he did not need medication or anything. He lived to almost 15 and never seemd to have any problems stemming from it. We were lucky though. It is good to know about these things and keep on top of it in case it gets out of hand.

Thanks for posting.

[Lara's mom]

Wow! That is frightening! Thank the Goddess, neither of mine have any heart problems.

[Berta]

My 10 year old chihuahua mix was recently diagnosed with heart failure and I am devastated about it. He seems to be responding to the meds and is feeling better although he is far from 100% and probably never will be. I took him for a checkup today and the vet said that he needed a potassium supplement because of the Lasix, but didn't know what to give him. So I am now searching for potassium online. Does anyone know what type of supplement would be good to give him? I would appreciate any help.

[cherylmartin]

Thank you corky/max for this information. Its good to know.

[CorkyMax]

This is off the web--Please read all the way through and it does mention Lasix. This will be in 2 separate posts. 2nd 1 to follow! I will be giving a site address for the potassium too in a following post as I go back and get the info! ('Stay tuned!')
Heart Failure In Dogs II
Congestive Heart Failure



Ron Hines DVM PhD



This is the second of two articles I have written on heart failure in dogs.

The first, Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy, described a common condition in larger breeds of dogs. Much of the two articles are repetitive because a failing heart must go through certain similar stages regardless of the initial cause. This article describes the most common heart abnormality occurring in small and toy breeds, CHF, also called Congestive Heart Failure.

The heart of all mammals is made up of four chambers. The upper left and right chambers are called the atria (atrium) and the lower left and right chambers are called the ventricles. Each of the four chambers has an inlet and an exit valve to prevent back washing of blood. In smaller breeds of dogs it is these valves – particularly the mitral valve that divides the left atrium from the left ventricle - that often fails leading to an enlarged, inefficient heart.

The Mitral Valve:

Blood flows from the veins of the body into the right atrium. It is stored there briefly as it is pumped on into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs, where it receives oxygen. It then flows from the lungs through a series of veins into the left atrium where it is held briefly before going on to the left ventricle. Dividing the upper left atrium from the lower left ventricle is the mitral valve. The left ventricle contains the largest muscles of the heart so it can pump blood out through the arteries to all parts of the body. A three- cusped valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts, this valve must be in the closed position to force blood through the arteries (aorta) to supply the body. Because of the great force with which these left ventricular contractions occur, this valve wears out first in many older dogs. The majority of dogs over 8 years of age have this defect in varying degrees. At first, the leak is minor and produces no more than a high-pitched murmur (regurgitation) I can readily hear with my stethoscope. This murmur is most audible on the left side of the chest just posterior to the dog’s elbow. It is due to scaring and shortening of the cusps of the valve. Many dogs over the age of six develop these murmurs and most dogs over the age of ten have them. The disease is also called valvular endocardiosis, Chronic Mitral Valve Disease (CMVD) or Valvular Insufficiency. As the leakage of blood back into the atrium becomes more severe the efficiency of the heart as a pumping organ is reduced.

When leakage is severe, blood backs up through the entire vascular system but particularly so in the veins that drain the lungs. With abnormal pressure in these veins fluid leaks out of capillaries and into the functional portion of the lungs, the alveoli. This fluid, called pulmonary edema, produces the earliest signs of heart failure, a hacking coughing and an attempt to wretch up or gag fluid from the throat. Dogs in this stage of heart disease already lack the stamina to play and work as they once did.

As the condition progresses, and as pressure builds up in the heart, first the left side and then the right side of the heart begin to enlarge. This enlargement is not accompanied by any increase in pumping efficiency. The more the heart enlarges, the less the four valves of the heart are able to seal themselves during contraction.

With time, fluid backs up into the liver and leaks out into the abdomen causing a bloated, pear-shaped tummy. This fluid is called ascites. It is compounded by the release of several hormones that increase the total fluid capacity of the vascular system.

What Symptoms Would I See In My Pet?

At this late stage of the disease all forms of heart failure have the same signs. Dogs in the later stages of congestive heart failure become much less active and tire easily. Their appetite usually falls of and they show signs of difficult respiration, panting and coughing while at rest. Electrocardiograms and echo sonograms (cardiac ultrasound) taken of these dogs are always abnormal.

When I examine these dogs, the color of the membranes of the mouth are grayish rather than healthy pink and vessels on the surface are abnormally congested with blood. These dogs often have a condition called a jugular pulse in which the beating of the heart can be seen in the large jugular veins of the neck. The sounds of heartbeat that I hear through my stethoscope are always abnormal to some degree.

Congestive Heart Failure develops over many months and years. Its effects on blood flow also develops slowly. As heart function declines, the body is able to compensate for several weeks or months. However, at some point, the body's ability to compensate is no longer effective. At this point, dogs can go into severe heart failure in what appears to be a matter of hours. Rapid, heavy breathing, blue tongue (cyanosis), excessive drooling, or collapse may be the first signs that anything is wrong.

By the time dogs develop ascites cyanosis and pulmonary edema they rarely live beyond a year or two. Many die sooner despite the use of many medications. The disease is known to run in families so dogs with this problem should not be bred.

Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure:

I can diagnose most cases of cardiac failure with my stethoscope and observation of the pet's femoral pulse.. I listen on the left side of the chest just behind the elbow. Listening here allows me to hear abnormal heart rhythms as well as the abnormal sounds of blood whooshing through overly distended heart valves. Heart sounds in this condition tend to be muffled and the raspy noise of air passing through fluid-filled lungs is often audible. Heart rate is increased (tachycarida). Pets with this condition have a weaker than normal femoral pulse.

Early in congestive heart failure, one side of the heart is usually more affected than the other. When the left sided is primarily affected, shortness of breath and coughing during exertion are the first signs we notice. When the right side of the heart is primarily affected, we see ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) which causes a pot-bellied appearance. In both cases weight loss and exercise intolerance are common.

When a dog with abnormal heart sounds and these typical signs comes into my hospital, the first thing I suggest is that we run a chest X-ray to see how bad the problem really is. Hearts in cardiac failure have a very distinctive globular (rounded) shape. The normal, chiseled cardiac silhouette is replaced by a much larger, rounded heart shadow. Early in the disease the left side of the heart may be more enlarged than the right but with time both the left and right side of the heart are enlarged on x-rays The lungs of dogs in heart failure are abnormally dense due to fluid buildup within them.

Many veterinarians rely on electrocardiograms (EKG) to detect early heart abnormalities. The portion of the EKG paper tracing called the QRS complex lengthens and increases in height (amplitude) signifying left ventricular enlargement. Heart rate is faster than normal in the tracing and premature contractions of the ventricles give the tracing an abnormal rhythm.

Visualization of the heart in real time with an ultrasound machine also gives me a good indication of the efficiency of the heart in pumping blood. It gives me the most accurate measure of the size of each heart chamber as well as some indication of the degree of heart enlargement.

Blood serum chemistry and urine chemistry tests do not detect heart problems but they do let me know if problems in the liver or kidneys might affect the action of heart medications I will later use.

Many cases of cardiac enlargement are accompanied by heart rhythm abnormalities. These are caused by disturbances in the electrical impulses that control heart rate and rhythm and they can be life threatening. It is a good idea to learn to check your dog’s pulse at its wrist to detect this abnormality at home. You may even choose to buy a nurse’s stethoscope for more accuracy.


---------------------------------------more--------->

[CorkyMax]

What Treatments Are Available?

Cardiac enlargement and heart failure responds best to a cocktail of medications. One of the oldest drugs used to treat this condition is digitalis (Digoxin, Cardoxin, Lanoxin) it has been used since the time of the Romans. It is used less in the USA today because of the serious side effects that sometimes occur. . This medication belongs to a group called positive inotropic agents which increase the concentration of calcium in heart muscle cells. This increases the force of cardiac contractions and usually slows heart rate. It takes about five days for the drug to reach stable blood levels and show its effect and during this time blood levels of the drug must be monitored.The drug must be used in caution in dogs with kidney or liver problems. If loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy occur I lower the dose. Digoxin is eliminated from the dog’s body through the kidneys so dogs with kidney damage are less able to tolerate the drug. In these dogs the dose should be lowered or digitoxin should be used instead because it is metabolized and excreted through the liver.

Another helpful group of drugs for dogs in heart failure are diuretics. These drugs remove accumulation of fluids that occur in the lungs and abdomen of cardiac patients due to the sluggish flow of blood. The most common and best drug of this class is furosemide (Lasix). Dogs taking furosemide usually drink and urinate more frequently. While on this drug the dog may need a potassium supplement. But potassium should not be give if blood levels in the pet remain normal.

Another important group of drugs used in treating dilated cardiomyopathy are blood vessel dilators are ACE inhibitors. These compounds decrease certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels so more blood flows smoothly through them allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently. The most commonly used drug in this class is enalapril (Enacard, Vasotec, Lotensin, Prinavil, Zestril). Since this drug can cause kidney problems it is wise to have a BUN and creatinine serum level performed two weeks after starting the medication and then every three or four months. When side effects of enalapril occur, they are usually lack of appetite, vomiting and an increase in toxic waste products due to decreased blood flow through the kidney (azotemia).


Two other ACE inhibitors that are also used are captopril (Capoten ) and benazepril (Lotensin, Fortekor). Benazepril is recommended when blood tests show an elevated BUN and creatinine, which signifies poor kidney function. Benazepril reduces the blood pressure and volume load on the heart in dogs with heart failure and leads to an extension of the life span of dogs with heart failure and also improves clinical signs, notably reduction in coughing, and improvement to the quality of life.

Another ACE inhibitor that has become popular is Vetmedin (pimobendan). Since its introduction in 2000 it has been shown to increase both quality of life and length of life in dogs suffering from congestive heart disease, above and beyond previous treatment regimes. Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels and eases resistance in the circulatory system dilating blood vessels, and improving the efficiency with which the heart functions as a pump. The combined effect is therefore to improve cardiovascular function and the blood flow to major organs. Vetmedinis licensed and appropriate for both the major causes of heart failure in dogs. In one clinically controlled trial, dogs with congestive heart failure survived on average (median) 42 days without Vetmedin, 217 days when Vetmedin was part of their treatment.

Drugs used to treat heart beat abnormalities (ventricular arrhythmias) include mexiletine (Mexitil) and procainamide or its long acting form, Procan SR. Mexiletine is often given along with another medication, atenolol.

Other Drugs That May Be Effective:

Spirolactone (Aldactone)
When the maximum dose of furosemide diuretic is not sufficient to eliminate fluid buildup in the tummy (ascites) and lungs (pulmonary edema), another diuretic, such as spirolactone, can be added to the medications your pet receives. You need to be patient - it takes 2-4 days for the full effect of the drug to be reached. Spirolactone can increase the toxicity and effect of digoxin so your pet’s digitoxin dose may need to be lowered. It can also cause an increase in serum potassium, which can be dangerous. To monitor potassium, a blood sample should be taken and measured for serum electrolytes and kidney function on the 3rd or 4th day, the 7th day and periodically there after.

Diltiazem is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers that increase the force of heart contractions. This drug can also cause many side effects. These side effects are most likely when given with diuretics such as furosemide or with Enalapril. Diltiazem can slow the heart rate so much that the dog does not receive enough oxygen.

Both Hills Prescription Diets (h/D) and Purina’s CNM (CV formula) make low sodium diets for use in dogs with heart disease. If your pet will not eat this food, a recipe for a low sodium home-cooked diet is included on this website.

There have been scientific studies that indicate that a few cases of cardiac failure, particularly in boxers, are due to a deficiency in the amino acid L-carnitine. If tests show an abnormally low carnitine level, supplementing the patient’s diet with this product can halt the disease (110mg/pound twice a day, maximum of 4 grams per day). Because of its expense, it is not usually given unless a deficiency can be documented.

Another group of cocker spaniels have been found to develop heart failure when there are deficient in another amino acid, taurine. Since this amino acid is not toxic and inexpensive there is no harm in administrating it to heart patients (500mg twice a day).

In humans, Coenzyme Q supplementation has improved the strength of heart muscle contraction (30-90mg twice a day). We do not yet know if this compound helps dogs in cardiac failure.

Although I know of no scientific studies that document these effects, some of my clients have noticed improvement in their pets when they are given fish oil capsules containing Omega-3 fatty acids. Cold-water fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These essential fatty acids seem to reduce inflamation throughout the body. Always use the gelatin capsulated form and never straight fish oil. Be sure it is mercury-free.

[CorkyMax]

Furosemide (Lasix®)By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Some medical conditions are characterized by excessive retention of sodium (salt) and water. One good example is congestive heart failure where fluid (edema) accumulates in the lungs and body cavities. To prevent excessive retention of fluid, diuretic drugs are often used.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic drug, meaning that it works on the area of the kidney called Henle's loop. This drug prevents the absorption of chloride, sodium, potassium and water, leading to an increased volume of urine. This assists the kidneys in removing excessive fluid.

Furosemide is most often used in the treatment of heart failure.It is a potent diuretic drug. The drug is called frusemide in some parts of the world.

Furosemide is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names


This drug is registered for use in humans and animals.

Human formulations: Lasix® (Hoechst Marion Roussel) and various generics

Veterinary formulations: Lasix® (Hoechst), Diuride® (Anthony) and various generics

Uses of Furosemide


Furosemide is used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema from forming. It is primarily used to treat heart failure and pulmonary edema (lung fluid).

It is also used to treat some electrolyte imbalances, such as high calcium and high potassium levels, because the diuretic effect improves elimination of these ions.

Precautions and Side Effects


While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, furosemide can cause side effects in some animals.

Furosemide should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Furosemide should be avoided in animals with kidney impairment, dehydration, specific electrolyte abnormalities, diabetes or liver disease whenever possible.

Furosemide may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with furosemide. Such drugs include theophylline, corticosteroids, digitalis and aspirin.

Adverse effects include electrolyte disturbances, low blood potassium, dehydration and potential kidney effects.

Hearing loss and anemia have been reported when animals are given very high doses of furosemide.
How Furosemide Is Supplied


Furosemide is available in 12.5 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg and 80 mg tablets.

Furosemide is available in 8 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml solution and 10 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml injectable form.

Dosing Information


Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

In dogs, furosemide is dosed at 1 to 3 mg per pound (2 to 6 mg/kg) one to four times per day.

In cats, the dose is 0.5 to 2 mg per pound (1 to 4 mg/kg) one to three times daily.

A constant rate infusion may be administered for severe disease situations in hospitalized patients.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.

Another site:Furosemide: Pet Diuretic For Cats & Dogs - 1800PetMeds


More to follow on Potassium------------------------------>

[CorkyMax]

Potassium oral supplements are used to treat potassium deficiency (hypokalemia), often occurring as a result of kidney disease. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms or rates, a weak pulse, vomiting, or diarrhea while being treated with potassium supplements. Do NOT use oral potassium chloride (lite salt) as a potassium supplement.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Potassium: As well as sodium, it is an electrolyte element, but on the other hand this one intervenes in the circulation of intra-cellular fluids. The lack or excess of this mineral can cause problems urinary system (kidneys).






http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Rx_Inf...supplement.pdf
This following address is a good place to buy potassium for your dog I think!! If your dog weighs 10# or less----$20.00 for about a 2 months supply. It is up to you and if you need a prescription, your vet can write you one. And if you buy 2 I think the postage is free. (over $39.00 is free postage)
http://www.1800petmeds.com/Potassium...762-10762.html

[Berta]

Thanks. I have tried drsfostersmith and didn't find any potassium supplements there. I don't know if potassium citrate is right for this problem. He may need potassium gluconate. I am not sure. Does anyone know if human supplements would be OK?

[CorkyMax]

You can call a dog catalog company that has a vet on call. I have asked to talk to a vet before ---Valley Vet supply (catalog co.). The phone # is: 1-800-419-9524. I would call during regular hrs when a vet would be there!! They carry potassium but don't know if for dogs, etc--You could ask how much to give and what kind (I know you want one that doesn't have sodium in it!) This is their web site:
Search Results -

Also could try Foster and Smith: 1-800-381-7179. You could call more than one. I know Valley Vet is the first choice as I know there is a vet there for sure! But if you want to get several answers--try several. Put dog catalog companies in your broswer--prob. get all kinds of names to call!

Here is another I have ordered from before: Upco--1-800-254-8726.
Dogs_GENERAL

[Lara's mom]

Does nobody trust their vet anymore?

[CorkyMax]

Lara's Mom, you are lucky to have a good vet! I wonder if Canada's vets are under the same 'controlling conditions' that the vets are here in the USA!?
Are they schooled by pharmaceutical or dog food companies? Have any lost their license due to going against these greedy companies? There are a few good vets but most are doing the bidding of the 2 afore mentioned companies
and have not been taught much preventative ways as there is a lot of money to be made from using drugs (esp. since a lot of them say your dog has to be on something for life----They don't cure--They cover-up the problem with killer drugs instead!!) I know your vet practices holistic/homeopathic methods---which are the type of vet I am more inclined to trust---as they use 'curing methods' and not covering up the problem! As I have mentioned in this forum before--My vet actually told me they have about 1 day of schooling on vitamins and supplements--That's the way the pharmeceutical companys want it!!! And why are most vets selling Science Diet and Hill's dog food??!! And most are prob. not feeding it to their own dogs!! And if they are--They are falling for the dog food companies 'speal' or are just ignorant. And there are vets out there that care more about the almighty dollar than they do your dog!!!

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Berta

My 10 year old chihuahua mix was recently diagnosed with heart failure and I am devastated about it. He seems to be responding to the meds and is feeling better although he is far from 100% and probably never will be. I took him for a checkup today and the vet said that he needed a potassium supplement because of the Lasix, but didn't know what to give him. So I am now searching for potassium online. Does anyone know what type of supplement would be good to give him? I would appreciate any help.

Am pasting here a paragraph from a thread I started in here called What About Vinegar? -----Which I would recommend you go back and read--a lot of good useful info there and might help with the heart problem and even the nose problem. Just put vinegar in the search box ---find the blue strip with all the white words near top of page(s) in this forum---find the search word and click on it--put word vinegar in box and select threads (not posts). Find title: What About Vinegar?--about 5th title down on list. The paragraph I am pasting here has to do with potassium--last sentence.

ACV is a good remedy for food poisoning and helpful in digestive upsets. It is also effective for urinary tract infections and it lowers high blood pressure. In fact, daily use of ACV eliminates tear stains around the eyes and nose of pets with white or light-colored fur. For those on diuretics, it is helpful in replacing potassium depletion.
ACV stands for Apple Cider Vinegar.

[lulusmom]

Berta, I am speechless and appalled that your vet has left you and your baby twisting in the wind with such a serious medical condition. If your vet has prescribed Lasix and has no idea what type and the dose of potassium supplement your dog should be on, then he has no business treating cardiac patients. Corgy Max has done a tremendous job of trying to provide you with as much information as possible but the fact is that it is NOT acceptable that you are having to place your faith in a dog forum to find the right medical answers for your dog with an unhealthy heart.

I have two dogs on potassium citrate and this is not the potassium supplement you need. Both of my dogs had oxalate bladder stone surgery and take potassium citrate with food once daily to maintain proper PH levels in urine.

If you do not have your dog on a potassium supplement yet, this could turn into an emergency situation if sodium levels drop too low so please get your dog to a knowledgable vet asap. If I were in your position, I would definitely consult with an internal medicine specialist. If you don't know of any in your area, here is a link that may help.

ACVIM

[Averil]

Hello, my name is Averil from England and we have an 11yr old Bichon Frise who was diagnosed with mitral valve disease 2 years ago. He is on twhat to look for in the progression of his illness and wonder if anybody could give me an indication of what I should be looking for. His respirations are between 24 and 28 when he is resting, he eats well and sleeps soundly. We have noticed of late that when he sleeps it is very deeply and he does not respond to us straight away if we need to wake him. He does walk but very slowly and not far at all, just enough for a gentle sniff of the grass and since our summer has been a warm one this year, we have not walked him but let him use the garden. All is fine as long as he is not subjected to over excitement (such as trying to chase the cat from the garden!) which has happened once or twice over the past year and this has caused him to gasp for air then partially collapse. When this happens his gums are pale grey/whitish but he rallies round after a few minutes and soon back to his normal cheery self.