My senior dog has an enlarged heart and heavy breathing. What to do?

Question

My Shih Tzu, 14.5 years old has an enlarged heart. X-Ray shows about twice the size. He's on VetMedin and Fortekor and has now spills for the fluid buildup. He is breathing heavier than normal, but is activ and eats well. What else can I do to help him ? Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 14 years and 5 months old | 10.8 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Poor Mickey! I would take him back into a vet today, or at the very least give your vet a call. It could be that the current dose of medication he is on is not working as well as it used to, and the heavy breathing is caused by a build up of fluid in his heart. Additional medications can be added on as needed to treat heart disease, and doses of the medication he is currently on may need to be adjusted. I would also reduce his activity, especially if his breathing gets worse when he is more active. Good luck, I hope this helps!

My senior dog has an enlarged heart and heavy breathing. What to do?

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