My senior dog has an enlarged heart. How to improve quality of life?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 14 years and 3 months old | 40 lbs
my 14 yr old mix terrier, was just diagnosed with an enlarge heart and various other organs too, blood work fine , ave blood presessure OK, what is there to do short of a new heart, she was had 2 seizures I know of --- what to do besides diurics and a new heart ?? just give her a great qualitity of life -- my Vet wants to monitor her --WHY cost me 500 each time - we are talking months and weeks here maybe not years ?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 14th, 2017
There are many medications which can be used to support a failing heart and should be used alongside diuretics in order to help support the function of the heart, reduce fluid build up in the lungs and abdomen and control blood pressure if required. Unfortunately, no cure is available and medications should be adjusted as Zoe's condition changes; many dogs can live for months-years with a heart condition depending on the severity of other health complications which can also occur as they age. Without a full history of all her complaints and recent tests it is impossible to assess her medium-long term prognosis
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 24th, 2018
I'm sorry this was a recent discovery in Maggie! Heart disease is common in senior dogs, and it is typically managed with medication. Heart surgery is not common in dogs, and veterinarians treat heart disease by prescribing medications to control the symptoms of the heart disease as they appear. So not to worry, while heart disease cannot be cured, it is managed medically. I hope this helps, and good luck next week with the cardiologist!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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