[beaner]

My senior rescue Elsie who is 12 years old we think, has a heart problem and according to our vet would need open heart surgery to fix the problem but did not reccomend it at her age, Now she is really bloated and can hardly get up and down stairs. It feels like her tummy is full of
fluid. Is this still related to her heart and what should I do? I dont have the heart to put her down as she doesn't seem to be suffering just uncomfortable.

 

[threedognight]

Colleen, My heart goes out to you and Elsie. Depending on finances, I would ask the vet what could be done for her short of surgery. As long as she isn't in pain or suffering I would spoil her rotten and make her twilight years as good as possible. :heart:

 

[Paula]

Did your vet put her on any heart medications? I would ask about getting her on meds if she isn't already. She would also need fluid pills to get rid the excess fluid.

 

[angelaH]

Your vet should suggest medication, as with humans, fluid can build up with heart trouble, as it damages the kidneys. What was the operation he said she needed? Anyway give her lots of love. These are hard times for dog owners, seeing t :heart: heir dogs get sick. Good luck and we'll keep our fingers crossed that medication helps.

 

[Mom of 2 Beagles]

Our first beloved Beagle, Sam, who passed away at age 14 had congestive heart failure. Probably a different heart ailment than your baby. But he was on heart medications and Lasix (I think this was the name of the medication). It kept the fluid from accumulating. Do ask your vet if any medications could help or maybe find a vet who specialized in heart problems in doggies. Sammy lived for years with his heart problems. Best of luck to you.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Colleen,

If your vet doesn't suggest meds to help the situation, I suggest you get a second opinion. It may not to get one hurt either way.

Give Elsie some rubs from all of us.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Amber had heart problems as well. She was on Enecard for some time. I don't know what Elsie's condition is, but there are medications out there for dogs to take for a heart condition. Laxis is used to help control water retention. Too much fluid build up can be very harmful. I would most defintely talk to the vet about medications that can help with that problem. Also, if he does prescribe any drugs ask if they are human drugs as well. If they are, ask him to write you a prescription for them and get them filled at a regular pharmacy. With Amber's Enecard, I was paying over $70 a month through the vet's office. I found out after she was gone that I could have gotten them filled at the Sam's Club Pharmacy for $17....same dosage, just a generic brand. Good luck and keep us posted on Elsie's condition. Beagle kisses to Elsie!

 

[Murphys Dad]

Colleen: You've gotten great advice from your fellow BW folks. I would definitely second the suggestion to get a second opinion or see a specialist or, at the least, ask your vet how much experience he has had treating heart problems in dogs. Don't be shy -- it's in Elsie's best interests! Gentle hugs to her from Maggie.

 

[Genie]

I Colleen, I'm in the get a second opinion, try Lasix for the fluid buildup club. The lasix will make her pee more often, but should help relieve the fluid. All that fluid around her heart can't be good for her! Please give Elsie a tummy rub from me--we'll all be pulling for her!

 

[cheerio]

It appears that your poor girl suffers from congenital Heart failure. And yes, it is normal that she would feel bloated. She most likely has an enlarged heart and fluid in her lungs which is a common complication with this problem.
At this point, medications is the only option. If she does respond to the meds, she will feel much better soon.
Open heart surgery is really not indicated. As a general rule, anesthetic is hard on the heart and the older the dog the less likely they will do well. The best you can do is to spend asa much time as you can with her and limit her activities to the minimum. If she has to use stairs in your home, carry her. Let her take her short walks as she wishes, stopping as often as she wants and don't hesitate to carry her as soon as possible. If you find her to stand holding her neck stretched in fron tof her, do take her to the vet as soon as you can.

My heart goes out to you as I had to deal with this with my good old Nono as she became old. It is unfortunately a common problem with older beagles...

In the meantime, do enjoy the life with an old Beagle. Those are moments as precious as puppyhood.

 

[DreamOfGlass]

I'm sorry I cannot help /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif Give a big hug to Elsie for me!!

 

[Murphys Dad]

I'm so sorry about Elsie's heart condition. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif Like everyone else, I'd urge you to see if there's not a medication that would help with the fluid buildup. Hugs to you and Elsie.