Hello everyone. Although ive been reading your posts for awhile now, this is my first post and im hoping all you experienced labrador lovers will have some words of wisdom! I have 2 labradors, Lexie who is 12 and Archie who is 11. Both have health issues, but its Lexie i need advice on today. About 7 months ago, Lexie started having little fits and passing out. I took her to the vets who diagnosed her with a heart murmer, and prescribed her tablets for her heart along with water tablets for her lungs, as she was coughing quite badly. Shes been doing fine, coughing now and then and bringing up frothy stuff, but not too bad. I took her to the vets last week for a checkup and unbelievably she had a fit on the waiting roon floor! The vet checked her over when she came round, and said it was probably because her heart was working overtime in the heat, and the stress of coming to the vets. Shes had another fit at home since then, but been ok for a few days. Now shes coughing a lot again and bringing up froth, and im a bit loathe to take her to vets again in case it stresses her out again. I worry about her constantly! Has anyone come across this before as im struggling to find any info on the net about it? Sorry its such a long post!
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hello A very warm welcome to the forum. I don't have any experience that might help with your problems with Lexie - I'm sorry to hear about them, and hope you find a way forward. Would your vet do a home visit at all? Best wishes
Re: Heart murmur in old dog My Cavalier, Callum, had a really slushy heart murmur for 15 healthy happy years. Towards the end he was on tablets, but he knew himself when to rest. We'd be on a walk and he'd simply stop - I then picked him up and carried him. Not so easy with a lab!
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hi Wendy, sorry you are having problems. I would definitely phone the vets for a chat as soon as possible. I guess they might suggest a home visit, but what you describe is likely a further build up of fluid on the lungs, so they MAY just be happy to tweak the meds a bit to increase the heart pumping better and increase the diuretics given the circumstances. Its a tricky one. Poot Lexie. It certainly sounds like she still needs to get stabilised. Keeping my fingeds crossed for you all. Let us know how things go. jac
Re: Heart murmur in old dog My old lab developed heart problems and fluid on his lungs, which I think is common when their hearts start to have problems. He was originally on just one heart tablet and water tablets but then was put onto another type of heart tablet. He was also put on antibiotics permanently for his lungs. Thankfully he didn't have fits but I always had a home visit to avoid stress. I would recommend having the vet come to you if it's possible. The tablets for his heart were foretekor and vetmedin I think. He was also on denamarin for his liver and vivitonin which increases oxygen supply to the brain. The poor chap practically rattled . He got to 15 and was only on the heart meds for the last 6 months and did well on them. Antibiotics might help with the cough. Murphy improved a lot when he started those. I hope you find something that helps Lexi. I know what it's like when they get old you can't stop worrying if your doing the right thing or even what to do to help. Fingers crossed.
Re: Heart murmur in old dog My last dog had this problem, though not quite as frequently as Lexie, she never suffered with her breathing. I let her pace herself as she got older in that she only went for very short walks. She lived to 13½. She was supposed to be a Lab x Collie, but so mixed was she that I always described her as a Heinz 57.
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Welcome, and I'm sorry your dear old girl is having these problems. Hopefully the vet can just alter the level of medication somewhat to give her more relief.
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Definitely phone vet for advice. It does sound as if she needs more diuretics and a tweak to the heart medication. The vet could see your dog in your car if it stresses her out too much to go into the surgery or make a home visit. Very sorry to read she has a heart problem, my GSP did, it was distressing.
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hi and a warm welcome from me Helen, Hattie 6 years and rescue boy Charlie 3 years. I don't have any experience or help to offer but just wanted to say I am sorry you are having this upset with Lexie and hope you can either get to the vet or a home visit which sounds the best way to proceed. Let us know how Lexie is xx
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hi, warm welcome from me and meg, 14 year old yellow lab. I'm sorry to hear about poor Lexie. I too have not got any experience but wanted to say hi. I think it would be good idea to contact vet and maybe have a home visit. Let us know how Lexie gets on.
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hello Wendy,welcome to you and your dogs. I'm sorry you are having such a worry with Lexie,I know what you mean,you do worry about them when they aren't right.I can't help practically as Dexter is our first dog and he is just coming up to 2, but I just wanted to say hi and send my best wishes Angela x
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Thankyou so much for all your replies, i will definately be ringing the vets shortly. When Lexie first started with the coughing when she was first diagnosed she was put on antibiotics which brought it under control, so maybe thats whats needed again now. She seems to have good days and bad. We dont walk far, we are lucky enough to live next to a farm and can safely wander near our bungalow. My other dog, Archie has athritis so he doesnt want to go far either. Anyway ill keep you updated x
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hi and welcome Wendy, Lexie and Archie. I can't offer any practical advice either sorry, but just wanted to send my best wishes. Hopefully the vet will do a home visit. Let us know how you get on x
Re: Heart murmur in old dog I do understand, having had two old labs (one 16, one 14) who passed away a couple of years ago. You seem to be constantly at the vets… But old dogs are so rewarding in many ways.
Re: Heart murmur in old dog Hello and welcome from me and my dogs too , so sorry that your dear old girl is struggling , do so hope that your Vet can offer some help x
