Diabetic dog with enlarged heart: Lasix, food, and vitamin advice?

Question

I have an 11 yr old diabetic dog. Diabetes is regulated. Just diagnosed with an enlarged heart and liver. Is Lasix a good med to put him on? Any food or vitamin recommendations? Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered | 11 years and 2 months old | 54 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

Lasix is a diuretic medication used to decrease fluid in the lung if there is evidence of congestive heart failure. The best way to diagnose heart disease is with an echocardiogram, but since mainly veterinary specialists perform this procedure veterinarians often prescribe Lasix based on heart changes and evidence of pulmonary edema fluid on x-rays. If Fred's diabetes is well regulated it may not be worthwhile to change his food. There are some therapeutic diets that are formulated to have lower sodium and increased amounts of omega 3 fatty acids that may benefit patients with heart disease, but since diet plays an important role in glucose regulation there's a chance Fred's insulin requirements could change with a new diet. Depending on the type of heart disease diagnosed or suspected some veterinarians recommend a taurine supplement or fatty acid supplement. You could ask your veterinarian if either of these would be recommended in Fred's case.

Diabetic dog with enlarged heart: Lasix, food, and vitamin advice?

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