I'm feeling super overwhelmed right now. My sweet pup, Max, has just been diagnosed with mitral valve disease stage C, and I don't even know where to begin. He's my best buddy, and seeing him struggle with breathing and tiring easily breaks my heart. The vet mentioned a treatment plan involving meds and some lifestyle changes, but I'm looking for advice from anyone who's gone down this road before. How can I best support him through this? Are there any specific diets or tips that helped your fur baby? I just want to make sure I'm doing everything possible to keep him happy and comfortable. Thanks in advance for any guidance and support—it truly means the world to me.
Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that your dog is dealing with mitral valve disease at stage C. This means your pup is experiencing more noticeable symptoms, which usually include coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing due to blood backing up into the lungs. Mitral valve disease is a condition where the valve between the heart's left atrium and ventricle doesn't close properly, leading to these symptoms.
At home, keep your dog comfortable by ensuring they're in a calm, stress-free environment. Avoid excessive exercise, as it might strain their heart. Maintain a healthy diet to support their overall health, and make sure they have access to fresh water. Elevating your dog's food and water bowls can also help reduce the effort required to eat and drink.
Watch out for signs that may indicate worsening conditions, such as increased coughing, rapid breathing, collapse, or blue-tinged gums. These suggest your dog might need urgent veterinary care.
It's crucial to have regular check-ups to monitor your dog's heart condition, and medication might be needed to manage symptoms and slow the disease's progression. I'd recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. This way, we can provide more personalized advice and ensure your dog receives the best care possible.
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