Severe heart failure

My little dog also suffers from a heart murmur and has been coughing an awful lot – or I should say, he *was* coughing an awful lot, because after reading your post I followed your advice and it’s made such a difference. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for that. I know your post is quite old now, but I really hope you see this. Thanks again!

My 13-year-old Yorkie has a heart condition. In his treatment, Libeo became ineffective and has been replaced by Torasemide. If this doesn’t work within 10 days, we’ll have to find a natural alternative. My pooch’s life depends on this essential diuretic. He’s also taking Dimazon for 10 days, and Nelio and Cardisure for life. Not to mention the restrictive lifestyle for him...

Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve spoken to my vet and I’m giving her Kalium carbonicum alongside Vetmedin and Libeo (which I’m currently tapering off). She seems to be doing better. As for the hawthorn, I’d like to be certain that I can combine all of those together first, otherwise I’d do it – I just want to keep her going for as long as possible. Of course, with heart problems, there’s no way of knowing how to prevent them, and it’s making me so anxious.

Sorry for the delay, I haven't been online for a bit and I understand your frustration, but rest assured I’ve been giving them to him since yesterday. And yes, I love my dog more than anything.

Hi everyone, I wanted to share my miracle. My dog was suffering from heart failure with pulmonary oedema (fluid on the lungs). My dog, a German Shepherd cross Beauceron with a heart condition, is on Vetmedin of course (2 capsules morning and evening on an empty stomach). First of all, I helped him lose about 20 lbs (1 stone 6 lbs) to take the strain off his heart. In a year, he went from nearly 9 stone (124 lbs) down to a stable 7 and a half stone (105 lbs). He eats the same total amount of food—about 2.8 lbs a day of real food: pasta, veg, and meat (or wet food)—but with added courgettes and less pasta or rice. When his breathing started becoming very heavy and laboured (heartbreaking to listen to when you love your dog), the vet added Cardalis (once in the morning) along with Libeo, a diuretic that prevents fluid on the lungs to help him breathe better. We eventually swapped the Libeo for Lasix (the human version of the diuretic, which is cheaper at the pharmacy). At first, it was 1 tablet twice a day, then 1.5, then 2, 3, or even 3.5, at which point we had to add a potassium supplement. I’d adjust the dosage depending on how his breathing was. Then a MIRACLE happened: my homeopath told me to give him 5 granules of Kalium Carbonicum 9 CH (from the chemist) twice a day on an empty stomach. My dog NO LONGER HAS ANY BREATHING PROBLEMS. (Once a day he coughs and hacks like he’s got a frog in his throat, but that’s all). To recap: Vetmedin morning and night (I assume the dosage depends on the size of the dog, so ask your vet); Cardalis in the morning (again, ask your vet for your specific case); Lasix (2 in the morning + 2 at 5pm—remember to take him out for a wee about an hour later); and 5 Kalium granules twice a day (around 1pm-2pm and at bedtime). It’s 5 granules regardless of the weight of the dog or cat. It won’t stop him from passing away one day, but he’ll be more comfortable. The results are extraordinary, and it’s been over two months now. Best of luck, give it a go and you’ll see. Not all vets are clued up on homeopathy, but mine made a note of it because the results are the only thing that matters; he saw the improvement himself and is going to start prescribing it too. Just for info, I also add two organic Hawthorn capsules every day at midday (you can get them at a health food shop like Holland & Barrett). Hawthorn supports the heart. My dad suggested it over a year ago. My dog is nearly 14 now! He’s been on treatment for almost 5 years. Thanks for the info, I’m saving this! My girl is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—a breed that very often suffers from heart murmurs.

Hi @Dpcc, My cat Diabolo, an 8-year-old Sphynx, has had HCM since he was 2. At his last heart scan, the vet discovered he’d had a heart attack and, as a result, the walls of his left ventricle have become very thin, which is causing heart failure. Shortly after, he started struggling to breathe, and he’s had oedema around his lungs since December. At the moment, I’m giving him 1.5 tablets a day. Here is his current treatment plan: 1/2 Cardisure tablet at 10:30am 3/4 Libeo tablet at 11:30am 1/2 Cardisure tablet at 9pm 3/4 Libeo tablet at 10:30pm 1/4 Plavix tablet + 1/2 Tempora (spironolactone) tablet + 1/2 Benakor tablet at 11:30pm 5mg aspirin every 3 days I’m really interested in the homeopathic treatment you suggested to supplement his meds, but I’d like to know what time of day I should give him the Kalium carbonicum 5CH, bearing in mind I work from 12pm to 9pm and can't get back home in between. Is the dosage for a cat also 10 granules split into two doses during the day, and what’s the best way to give it to him? I’m also interested in giving him hawthorn capsules, but how many should I give? Thanks a lot for your advice.

I wonder why you're even asking for help if you won't listen to what people are telling you!! You're going to end up killing your dog if you keep messing about. I’ll say it again, and I’m sticking to my guns: KALIUM CARBONICUM 5c, 5 granules twice a day from the chemist. For goodness sake, listen to me! I’m involved with the RSPCA and animal rescue charities... and it was the head of a leading homeopathy association who told me to give this to my own dog with a heart condition. If you love your dog as much as you say, stop letting him suffer. It’s only about £1.50 at the chemist; it’s not exactly difficult. You could have gone a hundred times since I first replied. This is absolutely infuriating!