Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 5/17/2011

Question
Hi again, Marie - Well, the vet wouldn't adjust the dose of the lasix unless I had Freckie (age 11) undergo a cardiac ultrasound, even though she was still coughing, so she had it today.  They said she has "severe valvular disease with pulmonary hypertension".  Of course they want to put her on four different meds, which, of course, I won't do.  The vet has opted to just keep her on lasix 12.5 and put her on enalapril.  I did a little research and there's the possibility of kidney failure on lasix and enalapril together, so I guess my questions are: 1)how bad is this condition? 2) lasix AND enalapril or lasix OR enalapril? and 3) what else can I do for her naturally besides what I'm already doing (Vetri Science cardiac support q.d., omega 3,6,9 and a little extra fish oil q.d., hawthorn q.d., ground flax seed, low sodium/high protein diet q.p.m., with bananas and watermelon for potassium q.a.m.). Should I increase the Co Q10 and/or the hawthorn? Should I stop anything I'm doing? At this point, her only symptoms are the cough at rest (never with exercise) and rapid breathing, but not 20 minutes ago, she was running down the street, pulling me along with her, loves her food, and is as mischevious as ever. Thanks so much.  Evelyn

Answer
JUST wanted to add my NATURAL Flea control tips:
OUR pug doesn't mind the garlic spray on his coat...
It keeps the bugs away - We also give a Daily NuVET wafer ..... Helps with shedding and fleas:  SEE here:

Say goodbye to poisonous flea collars!

Mother Nature has provided a safe and all-natural
alternative - farm fresh garlic juice!

http://bulldogvitamins.blogspot.com/2011/03/fleas-dont-do-frontline-try-garlic.h...


No need to use Poison Products on our pets
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Hello Evelyn, So Sorry Freckie has such a poor diagnosis.  Not much more you can do for this little cutie.  Please remember that I am not a vet and can't tell you to increase or decrease anything that your Vet has ordered.  I do know that many pets do well on Enalapril.

Please decrease her exercise if possible because her heart can't bear the excessive strain that a long walk can offer her.  I know she wants to run and have fun.....IT's hard to tell her no.
You are doing a great job with the Herbs and supplements.  

If she was my dog then I would not change any of the diet or supplements.  There is not too much more you can do for your little Freckie.
You can always take her info ( all the records) to another Vet for a second opinion.

Sorry that I can't offer anything more positive for your gal.
Blessings to you!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
My Healthy Pet Blog


Here is a link to her Holistic Pet / Alternative Medicine area



Herbs & your Pet; The Healthy pet place....

http://bulldogvitamins.blogspot.com/