My dog (Mia) is 8 years old and is a short haired dashound/black and weights about 16 pounds. She has been breathing funny the last month and we just found out today that she has an enlarged heart and has the beginning of Congestive heart failure. She has to start on a low sodium diet (may be Hills H/D). Is this common in dashounds? Can dogs live years after this heart problem starts?
Thank you.
Congestive heart failure can occur in any breed dog,although some toy breeds more commonly contract it. It basically means the heart isn’t performing as well and fluid backs up into the lungs(hence the congestive) This disease can be controlled for years successfully in some cases. Your vet may modify your pets diet and place him on medications to reduce the fluid build up(a diuretic) and medication to help the hearts performance. You may be referred to a specialist to determine the serverity of the disease.
Follow your vet’s instructions to control this disease.
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