the vet can't do anything else for her.


Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a complex and serious condition defined as the heart's
inability to function normally, leading to excessive retention of water and salt causing fluid
build-up in the lungs.

"The most important sub-group that can develop this disease is the older small breed dogs,
such as miniature poodles and dachshunds," says Dr. Daniel Hogan, veterinarian and
cardiology resident at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.
"The major underlying cause is degeneration of the heart valves."

Dogs with this condition often develop a heart murmur. Dr. Hogan explains that not all dogs
that have heart murmurs will develop congestive heart failure. If the valve problem
progresses, it will become leaky and blood will flow backwards through the heart. The
heart will no longer function normally and fluid will accumulate in the lungs or the abdomen.
In response, the kidney will retain water and salt, exacerbating the problem.

He explains that while humans often develop CHF, the condition is less likely to be caused
by valvular disease and more likely caused by obstruction of the coronary arteries and
subsequent loss of functional heart muscle tissue.

"There are three main signs to be aware of in dogs with congestive heart failure. These are
exercise intolerance, labored breathing and coughing," says Dr. Hogan. "It is important to
provide your dog with a yearly check-up and allow your veterinarian to follow up on any
abnormal findings."

A physical exam and a cardiovascular exam including chest radiographs, an
electrocardiogram and in many cases an echocardiogram are usually performed.

"These dogs are classically treated using the four Dï¿­s of heart failure therapy," says Dr.
Hogan. The four Dï¿­s include:

1.Diet - a low sodium diet to restrict sodium intake.
2.Diuretics - these are drugs that signal the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and
water.
3.Dilators - these drugs either dilate arteries (to decrease stress on the heart), dilate
veins (to decrease pressure on backside of heart and relieve congestion), or both.
4.Digoxin (Digitalis) - these drugs make the heart beat stronger, slow the heart, and
reestablish normal cardiovascular responses.

Once dogs develop heart failure, Dr. Hogan estimates a life expectancy of between six
months and several years, with treated dogs living longer than untreated dogs.

It is important to remember that a degeneration of heart valves is a common aging change in
small breed dogs and that the presence of a heart murmur does not necessarily indicate
heart failure. Veterinary cardiologists are available for consultation at the college's
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital and in most metropolitan communities.

CAD, I am very, very sorry.

The Toad and Melody can look out for each other

I'm sorry to hear that, man. I hate it for you.

It's such a shame when we have to say goodbye to our animal friends.

That sucks

remember the good times

quote:

Originally posted by Danocoustic:
Melody can look out for each other

I KNEW you'd make a post mentioning melody in this thread. Asshole.
Just for once, could you show some dignity and shut the hell up about your fucking dog? You think everything has to be about you, ya goddamn stupid attention whore.

Shame on you for using your dog's illness and subsequent death as an excuse to whine and bitch all day long on OJ, and now here.

You disgust me Dano.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dixon Cox,

I didn't know your dogs name, I thought you meant Guido. Sorry to hear that it's your dog.

Dude, I'm so sorry to her that.



Really and truly sorry.

at 12:30 PM Central Standard time today, the Vet injected the Toad. She went peacefully with with me right by her side.

The Toad has not eaten since Tuesday of this week and she hasn't taken her meds either. She was exhausting her energy by even walking.

It was tough, man.

Very, very sorry.

Rest in peace, little Toad.

Sorry Cad.

My wife is gonna be a total wreck when that day comes to our house.

quote:

Originally posted by TubGuy:
Sorry Cad.

My wife is gonna be a total wreck when that day comes to our house.

NOW I know who you are!

I think---

quote:

Originally posted by Dixon Cox:

quote:

Originally posted by Danocoustic:
Melody can look out for each other

I KNEW you'd make a post mentioning melody in this thread. Asshole.
Just for once, could you show some dignity and shut the hell up about your fucking dog? You think everything has to be about you, ya goddamn stupid attention whore.

Shame on you for using your dog's illness and subsequent death as an excuse to whine and bitch all day long on OJ, and now here.

You disgust me Dano.

Dude, two dog lovers are consoling each other,and YOU have to bring your fucking agenda into it.
Someone should shove a fucking bowling ball down your bitch throat. There's no way that CAD was hurt by what DanO said....he probably smiled at it. Asshole. GodDAMN, I'd love to beat your ass.

quote:

Originally posted by Danocoustic:

quote:

Originally posted by TubGuy:
Sorry Cad.

My wife is gonna be a total wreck when that day comes to our house.

NOW I know who you are!

I think---

It's not like I'm trying to hide it, or anything....

quote:

Originally posted by Guido Zambito:

quote:

Originally posted by Dixon Cox:

quote:

Originally posted by Danocoustic:
Melody can look out for each other

I KNEW you'd make a post mentioning melody in this thread. Asshole.
Just for once, could you show some dignity and shut the hell up about your fucking dog? You think everything has to be about you, ya goddamn stupid attention whore.

Shame on you for using your dog's illness and subsequent death as an excuse to whine and bitch all day long on OJ, and now here.

You disgust me Dano.

Dude, two dog lovers are consoling each other,and YOU have to bring your fucking agenda into it.
Someone should shove a fucking bowling ball down your bitch throat. There's no way that CAD was hurt by what DanO said....he probably smiled at it. Asshole. GodDAMN, I'd love to beat your ass.

Normally, I find your "internet badass" schtick very tiring.

In this case, however, I'd love to get in a few kicks myself.

Sorry to hear that, CAD.