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My dog has enlarged heart, lung fluid, not eating after meds. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 6 months old | 6.9 lbs

My Shi tzu is 9 , had a caugh 3 months ago so we did an x ray, was told he has water built up in his lungs, no heart failure but enlarged heart. He was given Cardishure to take for life. Last week his caugh returned so we took him to a new vet who prescribed furosemide 5mg 3 tablets a day and said this will remove the water from the lungs. But After 2 days, he was a mess, disoriented no power not eating. Stopped the meds 5 days ago but he’s still not eating. Only drinks water . What should I do

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy Poole, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 6th, 2017

I'm so sorry Duke is having heart and lung problems! I am very concerned that he has not eaten for several days and has no energy. He may potentially have something else going on besides his previously diagnosed heart and lung issues. I would recommend you take him back in to your vet as soon as possible to be evaluated. Often with heart disease, dogs need a combination of medication, including furosemide and pimobendan (the cardisure), and potentially a blood pressure medication. If he is not eating he may need more aggressive treatment and potentially injectable medication. He also may need another x-ray to see how his lungs look. He may need blood work to make sure his kidneys are okay as well as check his electrolytes. Again, I'm so sorry Duke doesn't feel well. Heart disease can be difficult to manage and is progressive, so over time medications sometimes have to be adjusted and/or dosages changed. I hope he starts feeling better soon. Your vet will help you determine what is the next best step for him! Good luck!

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