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Senior dog with enlarged heart. Will meds help breathing & eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 13 years old | 26 lbs

I have a 13 year old male Boston Terrier that was just diagnosed with a very enlarged heart that leaves very little room for lung expansion so having trouble breathing. He drinks water but only from my hand and refuses to eat anything. The vet prescribed furosemide 25mg twice/day, benazepril 5mg twice/day and vetmedin 2.5mg twice/day. will these meds help to shrink his heart and will his quality of life improve?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 24th, 2017

Unfortunately the dilation of the heart cannot be reversed, but the medications will help to slow its progression and improve the other side effects of enlarged heart. The vetmedin helps the heart pump faster and harder, the furosemide reduces fluid build up in the lungs and the benazepril stops maladaptive pathways being activated. You should see a difference in him within a week or two, the medication can help to improve quality of life greatly.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for posting. I am sorry to hear about Fester's diagnosis. These medications will not shrink his heart, they will only manage symptoms and help slow down further disease process. If the heart is already enlarged, it cannot go back to normal. If Fester seems to be having more bad days than good days, then you may need to assess his quality of life. Not eating and having trouble breathing are not very good prognostic indicators, but you may consider waiting a few more days to see if he gets a bit better. If he is still no better or worsens after a week, you may want to consider reassess his quality of life. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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