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

Question

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

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

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

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

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

Share