Canine Congestive Heart Failure
My in-laws
cocker spaniel is between 6-8 years old. She has been diagnosed with
having a large heart. For about the last year and a half she has had this
horrible hacking cough. She will cough continuously until she either gets
everything moved around, is told to stop it, or if her chest is rubbed.
The spell is usually brought on by excitement. She has been continuously
been treated with a cough syrup by the Dr. They are now truing a new dog
food call Purina O/M that another dog friend of ours with the same
symptoms is using, and has worked for them. My in-laws dog is not
improving at all. She also smells, even after a bath. Do you have any
other suggestions?
The Cocker Spaniel is showing the symptoms of congestive heart failure. When the heart fails to keep up with the circulatory needs of the body, the back pressure from the returning blood causes water to leak into the lungs. This water accumulation makes the dog cough. When the pool of water gets stirred up by excitement, the dog responds with a coughing spell. Many medications are available to help dogs with congestive heart failure. One group, the diuretics, help by moving water from the lungs back into the blood stream. Your In-laws should consult their veterinarian for the best diagnostic and treatment approach to the problem. A full treatment program addresses the entire picture, and may include medication to improve the heart function, restricted exercise, diuretics, special low-sodium diets and regular rechecks with the doctor
The odor problem is unrelated to the heart condition. Although odor can come from numerous sources in a dog, the three most likely sources of the bad smell are the mouth, ears and skin.
Halitosis is may be caused by gingivitis or other problem in the mouth, or stomach gas odor. An oral examination by the veterinarian can quickly determine the source of bad breath. The dog may need a dental cleaning, and/or doggy digestive system breath pills.
Ear problems are common in Cocker Spaniels, and are often the cause of a foul, rancid smell. Infections and allergies cause the ears to produce excessive wax, creating the odor. Lift the ear flaps and smell each side to see if that is the source. Seborrhea is like the ear problem, but effects the entire body. This form of dermatitis creates a waxy, oily hair coat, usually most obvious over the rump. The underlying skin in the affected areas is often flaky.
Seborrhea can be corrected with diet supplementation and special shampoos.
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