Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

What does stage 5 congestive heart failure mean for my dog's health?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Male

We just put our min pin down this morning as he was 19 yrs old, had other health issues, but found out he had congestive heart failure, stage 5. What does stage 5 exactly mean ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on July 19th, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. Stage 5 congestive heart failure is an advance stage where the patient is suffering from a leaky heart value but also permanent changes in the heart. Depending on right sided verse left sided heart failure the patient will also have fluid accumulate in the lungs/chest cavity or abdominal cavity. Typically at this point medications do not help very much in controlling the heart function and the patients have trouble breathing.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored