Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 11/29/2010

Question
Hello
9 year old Max has gotten sick.  The vet said to take him to a cardiologist for a Heart Mumur.  What can we expect to hear?  It cost $500 and I don't know whether the dog will survive.  The dog had fluid in his lungs, a cough and lost weigh, and an enlarged Lumph node. after 2 weeks on anitbodic, the vet can hear a mumur in his heart.  What happens next besides an obvious need to examine the dogs heart.  

Answer
Hi Sharon - I am sorry Max is so ill.  He may have some CHF - congestive heart and will need medication to clear the fluids from the pulmonary valve and the outside sac of the heart.  Many dogs live a long time with CHF.  Also, many dogs have a heart murmur and live a long time.  I myself have a heart murmur and am doing well.

Please see here:  I did address this with another person:

Lasix pill for fluid build up:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alternative-Medicine-Pets-3721/2009/2/Lasix-CHF-Omega...


Are you sure the fluid is in the lungs?  Can the VET at least start you on some Lasix to give this baby some relief?

They can also do some blood work on his blood gasses.  SEE if the Vet will start some comfort meds to reduce the fluid build up.
If you need more time to save the money, just tell the Vet.  
Ask for some help now.


Sorry, Wish there was more that I could do for you.


Marie Peppers LPN MA