Hi,

I'm in the UK and my staffie, (a 14 year old staffordshire bull terrier weighing anout 23kg), has a heart murmur, but recently he started coughing, it turned out to be fluid in his lungs caused by the heart problem. I got some FORTEKOR, and some FRUSEMIDE from the vet, and the coughing went in a couple of days, so I stopped the Frusemide as instructed, but carried on with the Fortekor. His breathing sounds rough, and he seems very weak.

It's now about five days since he ate a meal, he just nibbles and then turns away even if I try to hand feed. I've tried everything, all his favourite treats etc. He drinks water but just lies on his side all day, and struggles even to roll onto his belly. If he does walk, his limit seems to be about 12 feet or so.

The only other factor is that at the same time that he had his problems, it was November 5th over here (lots of fireworks which scare him), he was on Diazepam to help him cope.

Only last week he was really lively and playful, now he seems so tired and weak.. . My vet says bring him back Wednesday if he's no better, but I'm getting really worried, so would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

I wish I could give you more than sympathy. Dogs can go a long time without eating with no ill effects, but I am sure in an older dog, it means a problem. I hope the vet will find something that can be fixed and give you a few more years.

My Lab Aster is a lively 11. I treasure every day with her knowing eventually she will decline.

Thanks Labman,

He collapsed and died 30 minutes ago

The Power of a Dog

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie-
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair-
But... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian Clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long-
So why in - Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Rudyard Kipling.