Dog with heart failure on new meds: diarrhea, won't eat/drink. Side effects?

Question

My dog had diarrhea so I took her to the vet two days ago. Got x-rays. Told she had enlarged heart and fluid in chest cavity (heart failure). Started on heart meds 24 hours ago. Diarrhea continued, so started on med for that last night. Yesterday she was eating and drinking. Today, still has diarrhea (when she can go), but will not eat and drinks very little. Could this be side effects of new medicine? No energy, but still responsive to me. Should I give her water through syringe? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 54 lbs

Ana M, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Adrian. I am sorry to hear about all of her recent troubles. I would give her water through a syringe in small frequent amounts. One of the main medications for heart failure is furosemide (lasix). This is a diuretic to pull fluid off the lungs. This medication is life saving, but can cause dehydration and secondary kidney damage. So it is important for her to stay hydrated. Hopefully her attitude and appetite will pick up once the medications are working. Her breathing rate and effort are big indicators if the heart drugs are working. Her respiratory rate should be less than 30 breaths/min when resting if the fluid has resolved. She should also breathe easily and without obvious effort. The diarrhea can be secondary to the heart disease itself or even the stress of illness. Hopefully it will resolve with the new medication. If she is struggling to breathe, isn't eating or drinking well tomorrow and the diarrhea persists, she will need to see her veterinarian again. It is important to carefully monitor her blood work and blood pressure after starting heart medications. I hope this information helps!

Dog with heart failure on new meds: diarrhea, won't eat/drink. Side effects?

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