Any veterinarians here? 13 y.o. beagle w/enlarged heart

[ruxCYtable]

We've got a 13 y.o. beagle. 2-3 years ago she developed a cough and our vet at that time diagnosed a collapsed trachea. Tried a few different meds but the only thing that worked was hydrocodone, 1ml liquid, twice a day. That worked for quite a while but recently her cough returned. We have since moved and saw her new vet this week. They did some x-rays and determined she does not have a collapsed trachea, but she does have an enlarged heart. They stated that hydrocodone dose was very low and wanted to quadruple it to 4ml twice a day in pill form. Just thought I'd ask if anyone had other input. She is seeing a cardiologist in two weeks.

I know some people might say she's 13, it may be time to just put her down. But she is otherwise in good health. Still very happy, energetic and walks over a mile every day. Blood work is perfect. We just don't feel it's her time yet.

 

[twojman]

I wouldn't put her down if she's still happy. Although I probably wouldn't do anything as far as a cardiologist. Let her live out her life happy as is.

 

[ruxCYtable]

I wouldn't put her down if she's still happy. Although I probably wouldn't do anything as far as a cardiologist. Let her live out her life happy as is.

I'm kind of against the cardiologist as well. It costs $650 just for the appointment. They don't do heart surgery on dogs so all they're gonna do is manage the cough anyway. I kind of think we should see if the new dose takes care of it first. But, as you probably suspect, there's a lady involved in this decision.

 

[CycloneVet]

We've got a 13 y.o. beagle. 2-3 years ago she developed a cough and our vet at that time diagnosed a collapsed trachea. Tried a few different meds but the only thing that worked was hydrocodone, 1ml liquid, twice a day. That worked for quite a while but recently her cough returned. We have since moved and saw her new vet this week. They did some x-rays and determined she does not have a collapsed trachea, but she does have an enlarged heart. They stated that hydrocodone dose was very low and wanted to quadruple it to 4ml twice a day in pill form. Just thought I'd ask if anyone had other input. She is seeing a cardiologist in two weeks.

I know some people might say she's 13, it may be time to just put her down. But she is otherwise in good health. Still very happy, energetic and walks over a mile every day. Blood work is perfect. We just don't feel it's her time yet.

How does the vet know it does not have a collapsed trachea? Does she cough without the hydrocodone? Radiographs aren’t the best way to diagnose collapsing trachea unless it’s severe.

Also an enlarged heart does not equate heart failure. Eventually heart failure may develop but if she is happy and energetic then that’s good.

The cardiologist will give a lot of insight into everything that is going on. Btw where are you located?

 

[ruxCYtable]

How does the vet know it does not have a collapsed trachea? Does she cough without the hydrocodone? Radiographs aren’t the best way to diagnose collapsing trachea unless it’s severe.

Also an enlarged heart does not equate heart failure. Eventually heart failure may develop but if she is happy and energetic then that’s good.

The cardiologist will give a lot of insight into everything that is going on. Btw where are you located?

I was not at the appointment. I believe they did x-rays and said the trachea was open.

We are located in the Loveland, Colorado area.

 

[CycloneVet]

I was not at the appointment. I believe they did x-rays and said the trachea was open.

We are located in the Loveland, Colorado area.

I sent you a dm

 

[Kinch]

My wife, a vet tech, says don’t put her down.

 

[ruxCYtable]

Thanks, everyone. Especially @CycloneVet who dm'd and has been very helpful.

 

[carvers4math]

We have put down two 13 year old lab mixes over the years, both with cancer. The first one, had seizures which the local vet somehow just couldn’t diagnose when even I could figure out what it was. Took him to Vet Med and they gave us phenobarbital to control the seizures and told us we would know when it was time. They were right. Your dog is still experiencing a joyful life so I say don’t put her down.

Second lab mix had cancer in his digestive track. He just cut back on wanting to eat much. I would let him decide how much he wanted to walk, and a week before we put him down he took me five miles at the state park and played on the beach in the water and napped with his head in my lap. It was like his last hurrah. The day we decided he had enough, he went to go potty and just wouldn’t move from the spot. I laid by his side in the front yard until our vet could get him in.

Your sweetie is walking a mile a day and living the life. I don’t think it’s her time yet.

 

[CascadeClone]

GF is 2 months from being a vet tech and works extensively with a charity that provides advanced medical care for rescue animals. She would say there is NO reason to put her down.

She would also say spend the money and go to the cardiologist. Actually knowing what you are dealing with, the right diagnosis, and the right treatment, is what you have to do. Otherwise you are just guessing and hoping, and you will keep wondering. Buying some peace of mind, as well as better care for the dog. You should also get a proper prognosis for the future, so if it gets worse (or not) you will know what to look for.