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My 11-year-old Lab has heart issues and fluid. What's her prognosis?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 11 years and 7 months old | 90 lbs

Re Summer my 11yr old lab w a small heart and beating below normal rate for a 48kg size body. W edema in throat and chest area. Arthritis. Fluid in lungs. I want to know her life expectancy assuming she won’t get better? And also what are her chances of recovering from all these.. she’s on medications: lasix and vetmedin. thank you.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 20th, 2017

I’m sorry to hear that Summer is so sick. Does she have a diagnosis? Usually fluid build up is due to just a few things. Either heart failure ( which doesn’t sound right with small heart and slow rhythm), or low protein, or cancer. Low protein is typically caused by liver disease, kidney disease or intestinal disease. Some of these conditions are more treatable than others, but unlikely to be curable. I think her prognosis depends on what process is causing her symptoms, but I would prepare yourself for a limited time with her. I’m so sorry. Best of luck to you and Summer.

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