We have a senior Minpin/Yorkie mix named Dana (12+ years old, she was a rescue so we’re not entirely sure). The vet noticed a heart murmur about a year ago, and she started having a honking cough this spring.
The vet started her on furosemide, which seemed to work well. Then, the vet added Vetmedin, but it didn’t help. We went back to furosemide, which works pretty well, but it increases her urination. The vet added enalapril, which made her sick and gave her diarrhea, so we took her off everything for 5 days. The vet wanted to try Vetmedin again for 10 days, but it didn’t help, so we kept a daily log. We went back to furosemide 12.5 mg twice a day and have been adjusting the dosage, but it seems 12.5 mg twice a day works best.
Her cough is probably a 3 on a 10 scale. She hardly coughs during the day, but it acts up a little at bedtime. Her overall health seems good. She is an active, happy dog with bright red gums and a good appetite.
My question is, my vet says we are pretty maxed out on meds to try. I know this is progressive and will get worse no matter what we do, but…
Any advice on the next step? Our vet group is highly regarded in our area (central WI), and I believe our vet is very good.
I wonder if you think Vetmedin didn’t help because your dog still coughed. If so, please reconsider, because Vetmedin is not a cough suppressant and won’t stop the coughing. It’s designed to prevent a heart murmur from getting worse, and it can be very effective at that.
My late and beloved dog had a heart murmur and was put on Vetmedin. His heart murmur did not change or get worse for the next three years. My vet said she had never seen a heart murmur that didn’t get worse over three years without Vetmedin. I credit Vetmedin with giving my dog three more good years without developing congestive heart failure. He died of something else entirely.
If your dog already has congestive heart failure, that’s another matter. Heart murmur and CHF are not the same thing at all. You might want to clarify with your vet what the situation is. If your vet said only that there was a murmur, then your dog doesn’t yet have CHF, and Vetmedin will help prevent that.
As for the cough, there are cough medications available that you can try. There are even all-natural ones. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Thanks for your reply. We recently had some heart marker blood work done, which confirmed that there is some damage to the heart. It’s interesting to learn that Vetmedin isn’t specifically for the cough. Our vet isn’t the best communicator, so we’ve felt a bit in the dark. The main symptom we’ve noticed is the cough.
The vet explained that fluid builds up around the heart, and medications like furosemide help reduce this fluid, which in turn decreases the cough and strain on the heart. I’m considering getting a second opinion, but my wife is worried about offending our current vet, who we’ve generally been happy with.
I believe you should feel free to seek a second opinion.
It’s not your responsibility to avoid offending your veterinarian by requesting a second opinion. Also, if your vet is offended by this, you may need a new one. Your dog’s health and well-being come first, and that takes precedence over your vet’s feelings, which should also be to provide the finest care possible for your dog.
To explain, Vetmedin can help with a cough caused by CHF by relaxing the vascular system, allowing the heart to flow blood more easily throughout the body. More blood flow reduces fluid retention around the heart and respiratory system, which adds to the cough. Madre Anamchare is accurate. Vetmedin is not a primary cough suppressor; cough reduction is the outcome of Vetmedin boosting the heart’s efficiency.
If you trust your vet, it’s fine to follow their advice. However, if you don’t feel 100% confident in their recommendations, seeking a second opinion is a good idea. Vets who get offended by this might be insecure, and it could be better to avoid them.
When my dog was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, I researched and found vets experienced with that condition and successful outcomes. I mentioned this to my vet, and she encouraged me to seek their opinion as well. That’s how it should be. Vets aren’t infallible; some have more experience with certain conditions simply because they’ve encountered them more often in their careers. If your instincts tell you there might be another solution, pursue that. It’s your right.