Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 2/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 9 year old english bulldog that had her first episode in Oct 2008 and was diagnosed with heart failure.  She has been on meds and lasix since then and has had some issues ever so often with fluid build up.  We are now at the max dosage for her heard med (pimobendan) and are giving her 2 lasix twice a day.  I am just worried and wondering how you know when you are nearing the end.  At times I think she'll be with us a while then I get worried she won't.  Basically how bad can I expect it to get or will she go suddenly one day, etc.

ANSWER: Hello Kim... Yes, I sure do understand your concern.  I have known many bullies and other breeds with CHF.  With good Fluid control ( lasix) and heart meds, she can live a good long life to 11-13 years.
It all depends on her and the genetics....
Keep up the good work and monitor her blood as your vet suggests.
Good vitamins and supplements can sure help.

I would add a good Omega 3 to her diet.  There are many great omega 3 s on the market... Also, I would give her the NuVET Wafer each day-
NuVET is an Immune system booster and healer.... WE have 1000s of English bullies taking 1 NuVET Plus per day...
a 60 count bottle is only 39.99
___________________________
Stop by the NuVET web site : tell them Marie of ASK the PET Nurse sent you for a 60 or 90 count bottle ....
Give order code 81098 and ask for the 15% Off Discount...
1-800-474-7044
Or visit/
http://www.nuvet.com/81098


I sure hope you continue to  do well.  Good diet and vitamins are a big PLUS with CHF doggies.....

Give me an update in 60 days....Let me know if the NuVET is helping.
Don't forget some Omega 3 will be great for the heart, skin and coat.


Marie Peppers
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled 4.html
SEE the Bullies on my web page.

My private e-mail is
mtnmom@gci.net



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you recommend a good Omega 3 dosage for her?  She is about 70 lbs?

ANSWER: Yes, Natures Sunshine makes a wonderful Omega 3 -
give her one per day of this ////LONG term /// very safe:

Nature's Sunshine is very fresh and they Ship out fast...

Give one Omega 3 per day -
Long term usage:  
Nature's Sunshine is a wonderful product  - we have had great luck with it's quality!

http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=1515

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we feed her hills prescription diet CD

Answer
Ok, the CD is full of junk fillers but your dog has very special needs.  All you can do is make your own ....if you have the time?
There are some good books at Amazon.Com on dog food diets/ recipes...
YOU may want to check them out....LOOK for a book that covers special diet recipes..
http://www.amazon.com
Just do a search and see what they have.

YOU can continue to feed HILLS but it will add weight onto your baby.
PLUS your bullie kid is fighting water weight on a daily basis...LASIX should help with the water build up.


I feel for you two!
Good luck ....

BEST wishes

Marie Peppers LPN MA
check out NuVET for Bullies
http://www.apluspetcare.com/unititled4.html

mtnmom@gci.net

NEED help with dog food choices ?
JUST ask Marie