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My dog is worse after Lasix for heart failure. Is medication to blame?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 15 years and 10 months old | 11 lbs

My 15-year old mini dachshund has suffered with a hacking cough/wheezing for over a year. A year ago, her x-ray showed no enlarged heart and we tried Prednisone for a few weeks, but there was no marked improvement. Yesterday, the x-ray shows enlarged heart and excess fluid around the lungs. Vet prescribed lasiks and we started them last night. Today, she is lethargic, won't eat, and can barely walk. Will this pass as she adjusts to the medication or could this have made her worse?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 8th, 2016

Oh no! This sounds very serious and the Lasix alone probably isn't enough to control her symptoms. If she is this sick you should definitely take Roxy back in to the vet to perhaps up her dose of Lasix (there is often a wide range that you can give pets until symptoms resolve) or give her actual heart medication. If the heart is not addressed directly (with medications), then no matter how much Lasix you give, the lungs will continue to fill with fluid due to the direct relationship that is shared between the heart and lungs. This website link discusses the use of both Lasix and heart medications (Enalapril) together in pets with signs of congestive heart failure, which is likely Roxy's condition. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=537

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. The lasix that she is on is the medication used to help remove edema as it is what we call a diuretic. It is quite effective at this too. A faster way of getting fluid out of the lungs is giving this medication intravenously. I will typically do this for emergencies that are having difficulties breathing and need immediate treatment. The lasix should begin to work shortly after you have given it. If she is still having symptoms then I would contact your vet on the phone and see if your vet wants to adjust any of the medications she is currently on. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

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