My elderly CS ( 13 years + ) became very quiet this morning, didn't want any food and began gasping for air. Rushed to the vets and she is in heart failure. They are putting her in an oxygen tent and giving meds to lower the amount of water in her, however she is not well enough for an xray as they don't want to stress her any more than necessary.
I have explained that if they can stabilise her that will be fantastic, but at her age there is a limit to what I am prepared to put her through to gain maybe a couple more months at most. It looks as though I may have that awful decision to make in the very near future.
For the last couple of check ups my vet has been aware that she has a double heart beat, which is not a good sign, but until this morning she has still been a happy girl, eating well and enjoying a little run in the field. The funny turn she had this morning is half expected but it is still a worry when it actually happens.
I am picking her up at 5 this evening as they don't feel that staying there tonight will help her stress levels. I know that IF there is something they can do then they will do it, but I think I had better make the most of any time left with her this evening as I am not sure she will be with me tomorrow  - mind you she could bounce back and live for another couple of years. You never know with doggies do you.

Sorry I just needed to talk about it to people that would understand.

Fingers crossed for you. Sadly you may have to make the final decision for her. Sending ((hugs))

If meds or a cocktail of meds work then you may gain quite a bit of quality time together...but if you see the scared look in her eyes you'll know what to do I'm sure.
A position many of us have to face one way or another so we know what you're going through...best wishes.

I really hope things work out for you both. It's a horrible situation to be in. Last night and walk before we took our Labrador to vet (that horrid decision time)felt awful. I wanted to spend  time with her and I'm sure I saw her lovable rogue characteristics return if for just a short few minutes on our final walk in the late October sun.
My sincere wishes and sending your girl a hug

My thoughts and best wishes are with you yes we know that you will make the right decision for all the right reasons but it doesn't make it any easier. All the very best for you at this horrible time xx

I hope there is a happy outcome for you.

One of my GR's had an enlarged heart, so basically in heart failure. The cocktail of drugs suited her and gave her another three and a half years with us, she died when she was 14.5. The vet told me that he thought she would have only six months and was very surprised. She was a cantankerous old girl, stubbon to the end.

Sorry to hear that sillysue. Hope you get some time with her. I will be thinking about you both.

Many thanks for all the good wishes.

I have her home now, she is much brighter than this morning, but nothing like she should be. She is on diuretics and she wee'd on my lap on the way home ( I didn't want to stress her by putting her in the back of the car) I wasn't driving so could carry her reasonably safely.
She hadn't eaten a thing during the day but she has just eaten well, AG lamb and rice, a topping of tinned Chappie AND a pilchard in tomato sauce. My vet suggested putting her on puppy food for the extra protein as she has lost a lot of weight recently, but I wanted to get home and not stop at the shops on the way, so gave pilchards as an alternative - she loves them.

I have to keep her very quiet for 2 days and if she is still here on Thursday she will go back for a chest X-ray to see the size of her heart.

I dread to think of the cost because she is no longer insured as she used to be with Axa till they stopped pet insurance recently and the company that took over raised her premiums to £840 per year from £400. This would have been her very first claim - sods law comes to mind. Never mind I hope the credit card can cope !!!  Every hour is precious

I'm glad she is home with you and had a good supper. Keeping everything crossed for the next two days

Thinking of you, fingers & paws crossed.

I hate this sort of news.  It's something we've all dealt with and it never gets any easier.  Sending positive vibes.

Fingers crossed here too.

The xray on my heart failure dog showed the heart almost filling the chest cavity!!!!!
The drugs she was given were expensive, but luckily she was still insured and the company were very good about coughing up the money each month without any arguments.

It's a difficult time for you and it's hard to make these decisions, but our dogs always seem to come first.

She has to go in for the x-ray on Thursday if she is well enough. I have chatted to my lovely vet and said that if she finds things are not too good to PTS while under sedation. I would like her to call me so I can go down there, but didn't want her to bring my dog round only to say that things are really bad and suggest PTS so my dear girly has to then go through the trauma again.

Thanks to Axa she has not been insured for several months after a lifetime of no claims. At the moment the bill has reached £500 all to be paid by me

It's a horrible situation to be in. Praying good news happens.If I can help in any way I will.

I'm very sorry to hear about this situation SS.
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The x-ray has shown that she has advanced heart disease, however she is home now with a suitcase of meds. It is fingers crossed time as it will either work and she will have some more quality time or it will not work and we all know that outcome. My vet wants her on high protein so I have now got some tins of wet puppy food and we will take one day at a time. At least I have her home to fuss over and cuddle for whatever time I am allowed.
Thank you all for your thoughts, it is much appreciated as I know you all understand what a sick animal can put you through.

Fully understand and  my heart goes out to you both. Our pets are valued extended members of our family. God bless and lots of  best wishes to you all.

> At the moment the bill has reached £500 all to be paid by me< />

Thinking of you and your girl.  They are worth it though.  My old girl had a touch and go moment this week when she needed a GA for emergency dental work.  At 12.5 years old getting a GA it was a terrifying day this week but she is worth every penny. My partner had a tooth out on the same day and his dentist charged him around £15 but the dog dentist charged well over £500.  Again another uninsured ex-AXA customer.  Just as well they bring so much joy

Hi ali-t
I think Axa has a lot to answer for especially with oldies that will not be accepted elsewhere, but yes worth every penny.