My dog has CHF with belly fluid. How can I ease her discomfort?

Question

My rescue pit mix has a congenital heart defect causing CHF. She's almost 4. Takes lasix and enalapril daily which up until recently worked well. But now her belly has doubled in size from fluid build up. I just want to keep her comfortable and happy until she dies. What should I do? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 11 months old | 58 lbs

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry that your pet is in heart failure. Fluid build up in the abdomen is not a good sign. She needs to see a veterinarian asap to have the fluid drained from her belly first. Then she can potentially go on an additional medication to help manage her heart disease. I would recommend discussing with your vet about placing her on Vetmedin (Pimobendan) which will help her heart pump more effectively. However if you cannot reasonably have the procedure done to drain the fluid (abdominocentesis) then pain medication can be prescribed by your vet to help make her comfortable until you know its time to let her go. Again I am so sorry that your pet is so very ill and I wish you all the best.

My dog has CHF with belly fluid. How can I ease her discomfort?

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