Congestive heart failure - any experience?

I had the heartbreaking news yesterday that Moss, who is not yet 6 years old, is suffering from congestive heart failure The vet didn't think he would make it through the night last night, as Moss collapsed in the surgery and then twice in the garden at home. It was the worst New Year I have ever spent.

Moss has been prescribed vetmedin, prednidale and frusecare, and so far this has stabilised his condition.

I would love to hear from anyone else who has any experience of this condition.

Here is my lovely Moss. I would be grateful if everyone could keep him in their thoughts, as unfortunately with this type of condition we could lose him at any time

Oh Moobli i am so sorry, don't have any experience of this or know what to say Will keep Moss very much in our thoughts and all of you too (x)

I have had a couple with this, but old dogs. They have both done brilliantly on the meds, I see no reason why Moss wouldnt. The frusemide will move the fluid from his chest, but make him pee more! The vetmedin is for the heart, and the preds are steroid, they also make him pee and eat more!

When stable, if he takes it easy he should do well, I hope so anyway.

Oh I'm so, so sorry Kirsty I have no experience whatsoever of this condition, and he's so very young too All the best for him, I hope he pulls through this.xxxx

Oh my Kirsty you are having quite a time of it. I can offer now advice, but I am sure you will be strengthened by what Dawn has said. Please accept a hug x

Sorry to hear about Moss and my only experience was not good and very brief tbh. Tyler my Parson was 14 and developed a bit of a cough which after x rays etc was diagnosed as Congestive heart failure and started on treatment immediately but sadly died in my arms the very next day.
Hopefully your time with Moss will be considerably longer.

I have no experience but want to say I am sorry to hear about Moss and hope the meds help him and he has longer with you than you are expecting.

Thanks everyone for your kind words and thoughts. 2010 finished badly when we lost Meg, and 2011 has started badly with poor Mossie boy I just hope the meds do work and he can live a relatively long and happy life.

Thanks for your experiences Dawn and Trouble - obviously both quite different, but I suppose that is to be expected. As someone else put it, it is like having a dog with a ticking timebomb in their chest and it is emotionally exhausting

Oh Kirsty, I'm so sorry.....

Hopefully, the meds will stabilise Moss and he'll be with you for a good while yet..

Big hugs and loads of positive vibes coming your way

x0x

Congestive heart failure usually affects old Dogs Kirsty, is that a definite diagnosis? What were his symptoms?