My senior dog has an enlarged heart and heavy breathing. What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 14 years and 5 months old | 10.8 lbs
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 ?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 21st, 2018
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 2nd, 2017
Poor Captain! I am very concerned about him and it sounds like he could have a problem with his heart and might be in heart failure. He needs to be examined by a vet right away to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can take a chest x-ray and run blood-work to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to help treat the problem. Please call your vet and have him examined.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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