CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

[boomsboo]

Hello everyone! It feels like ages since I have last posted here. I see a lot of new faces! I hope every bully is doing well. Things have been hectic around here lately. I am trying to get back into the groove of being here more often.

Anywho. Those of you who have been here long enough to know us might remember our Tankers. Tank has down in the dumps lately. He started getting a swollen belly last week & was not wanting to go for walks. At first we thought it was age creeping up on him (he will be 7 years old next month) but when his belly got bigger, I got worry Momma syndrome & decided it was time to take him to the vet.

We went to a very reputable one here in Southern California, & I am so glad we did! They did an x-ray & showed us that his belly was full of fluid. To make a long story short, they told us Tank has congestive heart failure & that it is a very common things in bulldogs.

I was hoping I could seek guidance on here with anyone else who's bulldog may have this as well? Tank is on three meds. Two are for his heart & the other is a diuretic to help with the fluid build up in his belly. But I am wondering if anyone else has advice on it. I feel I need to go on short walks with him now & not get him too worked up, but he still has a good amount of energy in him. Am I being too protective/paranoid?

We have a follow-up this Thursday with the vet & I know I can ask these questions then, but I wanted to see if anyone else has any advice that has gone through this. Thanks in advance! Also, I've attached a picture of Tank from just the other day. Thanks again!

[2BullyMama]

Welcome back!! Love the Tank... so so handsome.

I have no experience with treating CHF, but am sending you all the hugs, prayers and positive thoughts I can muster up.
@oscarmayer... any insight?


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[Paulita89]

No experience with the diagnosis. But greco and I are sending good vibes and hugs to you and Tank.


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[ddnene]

Oh I just LOVE to see Tank... I'm so sorry about his diagnosis, but I know he is in the BEST hands. I wish I had some words of wisdom, but I haven't had to deal w/CHF as of yet... of course we are always here for you guys. Sending lots of hugs and prayers

[Manydogs]

@boomsboo It is so good to see you and Tank! It's hard to believe that he is a 7 yr. old boy already! Time sure flies. I did not have a Bullie with CHF, but I had a Toy Poodle who had it. She had heart surgery when she was 3 months old(unrelated to chf) She was about 8yrs. old. She was on digoxin and lasix. She did well for several years on those meds. When she got older,and had more trouble with fluid, I started giving her a shot,when needed(which turned out to be about once every 3 wks or so. It's quite awhile ago,but I think it was dexamethazone and AH,and lasix. She lived to be 13,three years more than the Dr. expected. I think you are right,slowing down on his exercise a bit. Best Wishes for you guys,Tank is tough-with a good vet,he will live long and prosperous!!

[1Chumly]

I replied to your other post.

[boomsboo]

@boomsboo It is so good to see you and Tank! It's hard to believe that he is a 7 yr. old boy already! Time sure flies. I did not have a Bullie with CHF, but I had a Toy Poodle who had it. She had heart surgery when she was 3 months old(unrelated to chf) She was about 8yrs. old. She was on digoxin and lasix. She did well for several years on those meds. When she got older,and had more trouble with fluid, I started giving her a shot,when needed(which turned out to be about once every 3 wks or so. It's quite awhile ago,but I think it was dexamethazone and AH,and lasix. She lived to be 13,three years more than the Dr. expected. I think you are right,slowing down on his exercise a bit. Best Wishes for you guys,Tank is tough-with a good vet,he will live long and prosperous!!

I cannot tell you what a relief it is to read that! Everything I keep reading says lifespan is short when they are diagnosed. The vet said Tank is still young & full of energy which she found as a really good sign. The 3 meds Tank is on are Furosmide, Vetmedin, & Enalapril. I was worried we'd have to get his tummy drained of fluid, but he's been on the meds for a week now & his tummy swelling has gone down a lot. We see the vet this Thursday to see how he is progressing with the meds. Thanks a bunch for your input! You brought major relief to my worried mind.

[Manydogs]

Those are three good meds for CHF. Furosimide is lasix,the other two are for his heart.Give that sweet boy a kiss for me!

[oscarmayer]

It sounds to me like your Vet is doing what he/she should to get your boy sorted. The only thing I suggest beyond what you are already doing is to see a Canine Cardio specialist. A specialist would likely have more insight on what meds would work best considering availability, cost, performance, and dosage.

[brutus77]

I'm sorry to hear this. Sending love and prayers!

[boomsboo]

It sounds to me like your Vet is doing what he/she should to get your boy sorted. The only thing I suggest beyond what you are already doing is to see a Canine Cardio specialist. A specialist would likely have more insight on what meds would work best considering availability, cost, performance, and dosage.

Thanks!!! I will look into that.

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[1Chumly]

How did the Vet visit go today?