My very best friend has a little cairn terrier named Sunshine. Obligatory photo. Although I am very much a cat person, this doggie is one of my favorite people in the whole world.
Recently, she started having coughing fits, and she’s been diagnosed with pneumonitis, and an enlarged heart which is beginning to push on and obstruct her trachea. Apparently the latter condition is fairly common with her breed.
Has anyone else had a dog with this condition? How did it work out? Does the heart medicine seem to help? Is there any strategy you’ve found that seemed to help? My friend and I are pretty discouraged; any advice is much appreciated.
My Scottie was diagnosed with an enlarged heart when she was around 10 years old. My vet told me she had about a year to live, or she could have a fatal heart attack any day. She managed pretty well for nearly two years. Walks were shorter. Sleep was deeper and longer. She lost interest in playing. Even tho she’d spent her life in my lap, she just wanted to be left alone. She could no longer sleep on the bed with me because the softness caused her breathing problems. I carried her, a lot. Then her lungs really filled up with fluid to the point she began to cough and cough and cough. My vet prescribed Lasix to help reduce the fluid, but I opted for euthanasia at that point. She’d been dying for two years and now was truly suffering.
Meds if your vet prescribes them; prescription food; she’ll likely develop an intolerance to heat, so short coat and air conditioning; firm sleeping surface, and prepare for a slow but inevitable decline.
You might ask your vet about a dietary supplement, such as Nutri-Cal. High density nutrition that might come in handy if her appetite fails. I used it for years on sheep, goats, cats, dogs, and rabbits.
And love, all you can give and more. Take lots of pictures, too.
For what it’s worth, my Irish Terrier also developed heart problems when she was about 10. I’d moved out by then, but I learned she died less than 2 years after diagnosis.
Maybe it’s a terrier thing, which is a shame, since Terriers Rule.
